James Garfield set French Group 1 mission after encouraging trainer George Scott at Royal Ascot
Group 2 winner looking to reach next level as Prix Maurice de Gheest on the agenda
JAMES Garfield has been set a French mission after an encouraging run at Royal Ascot in the Jersey Stakes.
The Prix Maurice de Gheest has been highlighted by trainer George Scott as the next logical step.
Owned by Bill and Tim Gredley, the colt has run well in defeat since making a winning reappearance in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury.
He was only seventh to Expert Eye, who was behind him that day, in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot but had to carry a 5lb penalty.
Scott said: "
We've got him back after Ascot, where I thought he ran a creditable race under the penalty," said Scott.
"The race didn't play out to his strengths. It developed in the middle of the track and he was very much on the wing. He kind of got up on the line on his side, but he could have been closer.
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"I've spoken to the Gredleys and they are especially keen to go to the Maurice de Gheest.
"It is a cool and fun idea. There is no reason why they shouldn't have a crack at these types of races.
"At the end of the day Bill and Tim breed horses for their enjoyment. Bill has had some luck at the track before and I'm looking forward to running him."
He added: "I think his ideal trip is seven and he would probably get a tight mile as well.
"There is a possibility he could turn up in France with headgear on to sharpen him up to change it around. I can't confirm that until we see him work in it, though."