Sea Scout battles on bravely to land Blue Riband Trial

Sea Scout put himself in the Derby conversation when causing a shock at Epsom in the Betfred Blue Riband Trial.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the son of Sea The Stars was sent off the 40-1 outsider of the seven who headed across the Downs to face the starter in the Listed race, but put up a performance that suggests even better days lie ahead.

With Sea Scout always towards the fore in the hands of Harry Davies, it looked like Adrian Murray’s Irish raider Tiberius Thunder might slip the field heading up the home straight.

However, Sea Scout managed to cling on to the leader’s coat tails as the field galloped for home and although Aidan O’Brien’s Trinity College loomed large to present a stern challenge – with the duo coming close together in the dying strides – the Crisford colt showed plenty of resolve to hold on for a head verdict.

The winner was cut to 33-1 for Derby glory from 66s by both Paddy Power and Coral in the aftermath, with the Sea Scout team confirming he would return to Epsom for the premier Classic on June 7 after possibly gaining further experience in the coming weeks.

Simon Crisford said: “I was very happy with him and he had to tough it out. He came into this on the back of a maiden, so it was a big step up for him, but he had been working nicely in the build up to the race, so we were very hopeful of a positive run, which is what we got.

“He handled the track superbly well and basically he wants a mile and a half, so there is a lot of positives heading towards the first Saturday in June (Derby day).

“He might have another run back before the Derby but he might not, we’ll just have to wait and see how he is and decide in a week or so. The only possible races for him would be the Chester Vase or the Dante really.”