'I intend on getting to the top' - fired-up George Scott keeps the doubters away

Friday: Goodwood

The revitalised George Scott, who saddled Rocket Rodney to win the 5f novice, is aiming big, although concedes he might have to bide his time before troubling headline writers.

Scott started training seven years ago and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2017 when he saddled 22 winners, which included a Group 2 strike with James Garfield in the Mill Reef Stakes.

He has not hit those heights since, but has had a productive 2022 so far.

"We've struggled the last couple of years, so we sat down at the end of last year and worked out what wasn't going right," said the Newmarket trainer, whose winner could be set for an appearance at Royal Ascot.

"We went out and bought a different type of sharp horse like this fella, but we also lowered our sights. We've won ten races this year at a 24 per cent strike-rate doing that.

"I need to rebuild brick by brick. I'm not going to set the world on fire doing this, but I intend on getting to the top."

Scott, who also revealed Rocket Rodney was for sale, added: "I can train a good horse. I've done it before and I've no worries about that, but we need to build back up and the best way of doing that is to get winners on the board and the better horses will come off that.

"Second is irrelevant in this game – no-one cares about second. You've got to win, so going to the big meetings and just running well is not on the agenda this season."

Paul Roy: Dawn Of Liberation's owner was celebrating on Friday

Roy joy

Too much racing is often cited as the reason for small fields and Paul Roy agreed with the sentiment, although he was not complaining after Dawn Of Liberation struck in the four-runner mile conditions race.

"I'm elated because we thought a lot of him before his run at Newmarket last time," said the owner, who is no stranger to racing politics given his six-year term as BHA chairman from 2007 to 2013.

"I think the small fields are a worry and as far as I can see most people are complaining about too much racing."

Roy, however, is content to leave policy-making to those now at the helm and added: "I can actually come and enjoy racing these days!"

Shobiz stars

Charlie Hills's good form continued when Shobiz struck in the 6f handicap and Saratoga Gold doubled up in the 1m6f handicap.

"We've had quite a lot of seconds recently, but that still shows the horses are in good form and there's been some important winners," he said.

"We've got a really good team at home and are putting them in the right races, which is important."

William Haggas: top Newmarket trainer was on the mark with BartzellaCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bartzella on top

The Listed Daisy Warwick Fillies' Stakes was last year landed by subsequent three-time Group 1 winner Alpinista and connections hope the victory is not the peak of Bartzella's talent.

She is owned by Anthony Oppenheimer and trained by William Haggas, whose wife Maureen said: "She's got to go up in class next and we'll find out, but once these fillies start improving they can get on a roll."

Results, replays and analysis

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