Stott’s Got Group 1 Amo With Grail Seeker

Friday, 3 January 2025 by Jason Tan

Kevin Stott after winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Stott’s Got Group 1 Amo With Grail Seeker

The G1 Telegraph at weight-for-age offers Kevin Stott a prime Group 1 opportunity since relocating to New Zealand, where he partners the explosive GRAIL SEEKER. For Stott, it’s a chance to add to his dual Group 1 wins in the UK and Ireland, and assert himself on the big stage “Downunder” after a tumultuous 2023/24.

Since arriving in New Zealand, Stott has had two Group 1 rides, finishing eighth aboard When Stars Align in the NZ 2000 Guineas and a solid third on Movin Out in the NZ 1000 Guineas. Now, with GRAIL SEEKER, he has a genuine chance to claim his first Group 1 victory on Kiwi soil. 

Kevin Stott secured a famous Group 1 win on Hello Youmzain in the Diamond Jubilee for Cambridge Stud’s Brendan and Jo Lindsay. His tenure in the UK with Amo Racing saw him secure notable wins aboard King Of Steel in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and Bucanero Fuerte in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, Amo’s first Group 1 triumph. However, after an unexpected parting of ways with Amo Racing, Stott made the bold move to New Zealand, ready to refresh his career with a new experience.

In Wexford Stable's GRAIL SEEKER, Stott has the perfect partner. The mare’s G1 Tarzino Trophy victory over 1400m was a stunning display of late speed. Her ability to drop back to 1200m, stay fresh, and maintain that turn-of-foot is the key. Her trials behind race-rival SKEW WIFF have been restrained but sharp, keeping her powder dry, so with a clear run on Saturday, she should have every chance of exploding late and adding another Group 1 to her race record.

Key threats include CROCETTI, a likely leader, and SACRED SATONO, whose wide draw might be a blessing if things are typically tight and competitive to his inside. WAITAK, BONNY LASS, and LUBERON are also top contenders.

For Stott though, whether he’d admit it publicly, GRAIL SEEKER probably represents more than just a ride—it’s his best chance to enhance his Group 1 tally and take a big step forward in his New Zealand journey.

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Saturday will see the G1 Telegraph run at Trentham with Te Aroha offering a support card.

Check out HorseTorque NZ for full analysis of the both meetings, including race comments for Wellington.

My Telegraph selection is Race 7: #12 GRAIL SEEKER

My Best Bet at Te Aroha is Race 4: #14 ASCENSION

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