With consecutive second placed efforts at his past two starts, Ciaron Maher’s 3yo Ole Kirk colt Scarole gave nothing else a chance once he found the front, pulling clear in the run to the line for a decisive victory at Sandown on Wednesday.
Well supported in the market to jump away the second favourite behind Grahame Begg’s Frankel (GB) colt Saint Fox, jockey Thomas Stockdale allowed Scarole to slowly head forward from barrier seven in the field of eight, eventually finding the lead with 1000m left to run.
Once finding the front, the colt eventually settled well with race outsider Etched In Blue tracking along in second.
With the runs starting to come well before the home turn, Chris Waller’s Zoustar gelding Zoucity had come around the field to make up plenty of ground while 4yo Super Seth gelding Corviglia (NZ) was another putting himself into a challenging position.
Cornering in front, Scarole extended away from the field to record a dominant three and a quarter length victory, breaking his maiden in style at just his fourth start.
Stable rep Jack Bruce was on course to discuss the victory.
“I mean, he doesn't so much pull, but he's just very light in the mouth and can be sensitive, so he's been seen to by the dentist, said Bruce. “We went from a ring bit to a D bit today, so he was better.”
“He's still got improvement to come, but he's improved on his last start performance. It was nice to see him just drop his head.
“Tom planted his hands firmly into his neck and gave him a nice economical run in transit.
“If he has the ability to stay on, we might have some fun, especially this time of year. So that's our direction. We'd like to get him up and trip, and the fact that we've ticked this box today sets him up.
“The Flying Star boys have been fantastic for Ciaron Maher Racing so it’s good to get another nice winner in town for them.”
Purchased for $160,000 from the Magic Millions yearling sale of North by Flying Start Syndications, Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and Pinhook Bloodstock International, Scarole has taken his overall record to a win and two placed efforts from four starts.
Bred by Max Whitby and Neil Werrett, Scarole is the first foal out of the placed Snitzel mare Tickle Me Scarlett, herself a daughter of G1 Queensland Oaks and G1 New Zealand Stakes winner Scarlett Lady (NZ).
Set to stand this season at a fee of $110,000 (inc. GST) at Vinery Stud, Ole Kirk is the sire of 11 stakes performers including G1 Thousand Guineas winner Ole Dancer who resumes this Saturday in the G3 How Now Stakes while G3 Fred Best Classic winner Regal Award takes on the big guns when he resumes in the G1 Sir Rupert Clark Stakes.
