Bay City Roller and Caballo de Mar: Oisin Murphy’s Two Big Cards at Ascot

The jockey is confident both horses can make a swift recovery from their demanding performances in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) and the Prix du Cadran (G1). Trainer George Scott shares that optimism heading into British Champions Day at Ascot

ASCOT, England (Special for Turf Diario).— Oisin Murphy may relinquish his British champion jockey crown this Saturday, but he holds two exceptional opportunities to take center stage on British Champions Day. With Bay City Roller (New Bay) in the Champion Stakes (G1) and Caballo de Mar (Phoenix of Spain) in the British Champions Long Distance Cup (G1), the rider aims to close out a highly successful season alongside trainer George Scott.

The primary expectation will rest on Bay City Roller, who comes off a stellar second-place effort behind Daryz (Sea the Moon) in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) and returns to action just thirteen days later, now over 2000 meters at Ascot.

The son of New Bay is enjoying the finest form of his career. Winner of the Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom, only Daryz has managed to best him in his last two outings—a testament to his remarkable consistency.

However, the task ahead is formidable: among his five rivals stands titleholder Calandagan (Gleneagles), another top-class star from the yard of Francis-Henri Graffard.

"The Champion Stakes is an extraordinary race due to the depth and quality of its field. We head there with plenty of confidence after the Arc, and we know Bay City Roller usually thrives when racing on a short turnaround. He’s a tough horse, and I’m genuinely excited," Murphy explained.

The jockey also praised Scott's work: "George is having a fantastic season, though he's been doing a great job for several years now. I'm delighted to team up with him."

For the trainer, the tight turnaround between races presents no concern.

"I don't feel the same pressure I did before traveling to Paris. Returning quickly isn't an issue for him because he simply loves to compete. I actually think it could prove to be a positive," Scott asserted.

His only slight reservation lies in the potential track conditions: "If it doesn't rain, 2000 meters on good ground wouldn't be my exact choice of setup. But I'm not making excuses. I'm confident he'll run a big race."

Caballo de Mar: Another G1 Contender

The duo's second major ace is Caballo de Mar, who will seek his third G1 victory of the season and the fourth of his career in the British Champions Long Distance Cup.

The stayer enters in peak form after capturing the Doncaster Cup and successfully defending his title in the Prix du Cadran (G1) at Longchamp, where he outfought Scandinavia (Justify) in a demanding finish.

"He was tremendous in France and appears to have recovered perfectly. He traveled beautifully throughout the Cadranand delivered as soon as I asked him. The win at Doncaster served as the ideal prep to restore his confidence," Murphy noted.

Among his opposition looms Highwayman (Persian King), recent winner of the St Leger (G1) trained by Joseph O'Brien, who benefits from the weight-for-age scale.

"He commands maximum respect. He was brilliant in the St Leger, and I think Dylan Browne McMonagle will thoroughly enjoy riding him," the jockey admitted.

Scott also harbors high expectations for Caballo de Mar, though he acknowledges that a long campaign could prove a factor.

"He's had a long year, there's no doubt about that, but he's happy and giving us all the right signals. He faces fresh rivals for whom I have tremendous respect," he stated.

Ground conditions will once again prove pivotal. "I don't think he wants testing ground, so we'd prefer it not to rain too heavily. If he runs anywhere near his best form, he should be right there at the finish."

Armed with Bay City Roller and Caballo de Mar, Murphy and Scott head into two of Ascot's marquee contests with every right to dream big.

The jockey may have to hand over his British title, but he retains a grand opportunity to end the season as one of its defining stars.