Isle Of Jura pencilled in for late September comeback

Long-term absentee Isle Of Jura has had his comeback date put back slightly, but trainer George Scott remains delighted with his progress.

A Royal Ascot winner in the Hardwicke Stakes last summer having already won the Bahrain Triple Crown, he is likely to be a flag bearer for his connections, the new amalgamation Victorious Forever.

Isle Of Jura was being aimed at the September Stakes on September 6, but that race will come too soon.

“We’ve bumped him back a bit. There’s a Listed race at Newmarket (Godolphin Stakes, September 26) or a race at Goodwood (Foundation Stakes, September 24), but I couldn’t be more pleased with his progress,” said Scott.

“His issue hasn’t raised its head whatsoever and he’s using one of those races, hopefully, as a stepping stone to the Bahrain International at the beginning of November. I’m very excited about him.”

Another heading to Bahrain eventually is prolific winner and Chester Cup and Royal Ascot second Caballo De Mar.

“He goes to Haydock next Saturday for the Old Borough Cup,” said Scott.

“He’s a funny horse at home, he wouldn’t beat the lowest-rated horse in the yard on the gallops but he’s got a really good record on the track.

“He was bought by Victorious with the winter season in Bahrain in mind and then hopefully look at Dubai.”

Bay City Roller was an unbeaten juvenile for the team winning the Champagne Stakes last year but has had his opportunities limited this term due to unsuitable going, while he was slow to start when most recently seen in the York Stakes.

“The season has been so frustrating for Bay City Roller and I really do believe he’s a top-class horse, he just needs a pattern of races to get into the season,” said Scott.

“We missed the break at York by six lengths, which was a shame as we blotted our copybook. We wouldn’t have beaten the first two but we’d have beaten the other two three-year-olds and everyone would have been very positive about him. He just needs a bit of cut.”