Melbourne Cup dreams for connections of Coltrane after impressive Marathon win

Friday: Sandown

Coltrane oozed class in the Coral-sponsored Marathon to strike by ten lengths and put himself in the frame for one of the staying division's greatest international prizes.

Second in the Chester Cup before landing the Ascot Stakes at the royal meeting, Coltrane stormed home in the Listed contest and connections are mulling a crack at the Lexus Melbourne Cup in November.

That might have been a dream last year, but the five-year-old, who was ridden by Rob Hornby, suffered what Andrew Balding described as a "nasty injury".

"He looked right back to his best there," the trainer said. "Australia is a possibility, but we'll have to see about the veterinary protocols because he's had some joint surgery. He seems sound now and will certainly have an entry, but we'll see nearer the time."

Coltrane carries the distinctive colours of Janice and Mick Mariscotti, who said: "The horse continues to surprise. Australia would be high on my wishlist – I'd love to get down there – but I'll be guided by Andrew. He lost a year through injury, but has come back incredibly well."

Soaring Rocket

The productive season George Scott is enjoying owes plenty to Windsor Castle second Rocket Rodney, whose speed was on display in the Listed sprint for two-year-olds.

Scott is on course for his most prolific campaign but began it by taking stock of his career, which had stalled after a bright beginning.

"I don't want to whitter on," Scott said. "It's been a tough time professionally but I've been able to reset over the winter and focus."

Daniel Muscutt enjoys a quiet moment on Rocket Rodney after their winCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The Newmarket trainer, whose winner carries the silks of Sheikh Nasser Al Khalifa, added: "People like Sheikh Nasser coming in, buying this horse, showing belief in me by leaving him in the yard means I'm loving it. He was the first on the phone after as well. These days make it worthwhile, but I'm looking forward to Beverley tomorrow too!

"Every trainer needs a horse to put them in the headlines, but I think it was important to go out this season and win day-to-day races and rebuild my career."

Jarvis joy

William Jarvis might have been contemplating a EuroMillions lucky dip after his 50-1 winner on Thursday was followed by Duke Of Verona, who was steered home by Andrea Atzeni in the 1m6f handicap.

The Newmarket-based Jarvis, whose Pembrokeshire was on the mark at Yarmouth, joked his trip home on the M25 would be more bearable after Rupert and Vicki Villers' gelding struck.

Duke Of Verona is lifted home by Andrea AtzeniCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"We haven't got many horses, so we weren't running many, but two winners in two days is great," Jarvis said.

"I've under 30 in training, which is too few, but I still love the game. I wouldn't do anything else – I couldn't do anything else!"

Owner delight

The mile handicap for amateur female riders went to Fern O'Brien and Maysong, who provided owner Andrew York with his first winner.

He said: "It's an incredible experience. I got the same buzz when he was second, but this is magical - I'm speechless."

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