UK racing papers have been quick to heap praise on Aussie sprinter Scenic Blast after his powerhouse King's Stand win at Royal Ascot. The Racing Post says: This year┤s King┤s Stand, the second running since being upgraded from a Group 2, looked up to scratch and SCENIC BLAST produced a mighty performance, in the process providing the Australian raiders with their third winner of this in four years. The pace was predictably furious, which suited the winner, but this performance may still be bette

UK racing papers have been quick to heap praise on Aussie sprinter Scenic Blast after his powerhouse King's Stand win at Royal Ascot.

The Racing Post says: This year┤s King┤s Stand, the second running since being upgraded from a Group 2, looked up to scratch and SCENIC BLAST produced a mighty performance, in the process providing the Australian raiders with their third winner of this in four years. The pace was predictably furious, which suited the winner, but this performance may still be better than the bare result considering he was drawn in stall 15 and the next two finishers emerged from the bottom two boxes.

This tall, imposing entire had earlier this year completed the same Grade 1 Lightning Stakes/Newmarket Handicap double as his compatriots Takeover Target and Miss Andretti before their victories in this, and he duly confirmed himself a top-class sprinter. Whether or not he did indeed overcome a draw bias remains to be seen, but whatever, he certainly won with more authority than the final margin suggests. Having travelled very strongly under his usual hold-up ride, he effortlessly moved into contention out widest of all inside the final 3f,and looked set to win by upwards of two lengths when hitting the front over a furlong out. However, he was there plenty soon enough and looked to idle, allowing the runner-up to close near the line. Talking of Fleeting Sprit, that one looked to run rightup to her best and helps gives the form a solid look.

Scenic Blast is equally effective over 6f, but his trainer feels two quick runs wouldn┤t suit him and he┤ll almost certainly skip Saturday┤s Golden Jubilee and wait for the July Cup. It will take avery good one to turn him over at Newmarket and Sportingbet make him their 3/1 favourite from 8s.