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| Staff Writer |
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Newmarket handler George Scott is mounting another powerful tilt at Bahrain's Triple Crown, with Phantom Flight delivering a commanding performance to land the first leg in the Crown Prince Cup.
The success follows Scott's remarkable achievement last term when Isle of Jura completed a historic sweep of Bahrain's premier series for Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's Victorious Racing, before adding Royal Ascot glory to his haul.
Scott's Middle East odyssey has gained further momentum in Dubai, where exciting sprinter West Acre announced himself as a serious talent when landing the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint.
"West Acre has always been a horse that we held in very high regard at home," Scott revealed. "Last time he gave us one of those moments that rarely happen on the racetrack, he really impressed me with his turn of foot."
The progressive gelding is being aimed at Super Saturday before a potential tilt at the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night, with longer-term targets including the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Adding another string to his international bow, Scott is preparing for his first Saudi runner as German St Leger victor Prydwen heads to the Gr.2 Red Sea Turf Handicap.
"Prydwen took a little time to acclimatise to life in the Middle East and I was much happier with him going into his second race," Scott explained. "It will be my first runner in Saudi, something that I've always wanted to do."
The 7YO, who finished a close fourth in Gr.3 company at Meydan last time, appears to be peaking at the right moment for his Saudi mission.
Scott's Bahrain flagbearer Phantom Flight continues to thrive, with the trainer noting: "He's gone from strength to strength physically and mentally in Bahrain. I am very much looking forward to His Highness Shaikh Nasser's Cup in a few weeks' time and then The King's Cup."
The Newmarket handler added: "I've loved my season in Bahrain, it's been an incredible success so far – all credit goes to my staff out there and my owners Shaikh Nasser and the City House boys. Those horses have been selected for that purpose and it has gone well so far."