So You Think was given a horror ride when fourth in the Arc and can gain some compensation by landing the Champion Stakes at Ascot today (4.10)
Put quite simply, Seammie Heffernan gave him absolutely no chance of proving how good he was by deciding to drop him in at the rear of the field and deciding to make his move from miles back once the leaders had flown.
It was to the horse's credit that he was able to scythe through the field late on to finish a never nearer fourth to Danedream and although beaten just over five lengths it was a monster performance given the huge amount of ground he was asked to make up.
To my eyes he was the best horse in the field, and I fully expect him to prove that by being ridden more positively by Ryan Moore and landing this to show just what a superstar he is.
The strapping five-year-old achieved legendary status in Australia before joining Aidan O'Brien, winning five Group 1s including two Cox Plates.
He also finished a cracking third in the Melbourne Cup over 2 miles when attempting to win the "race that stops a nation" just two days after winning the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.
Since joining team Coolmore he had done nothing wrong before his run in the Arc, winning four of his five races this season with his only defeat coming when beaten a head by Rewilding in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He was beaten only a head that day in a driving finish, but should have won as his pacemaker did not do the job required and nearly brought him down when cutting him up badly in the early part of the race.
I also think that Ryan Moore was not at his best that day, and if he had held on to So You Think for a bit longer rather than kicking clear two from home I am convinced the result would have been different.
Since then So You Think has gone on to comfortably defeat Workforce in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and Snow Fairy in the Irish Champion Stakes.
To me he looks bombproof and the class act in the field, and with the 1m 2f trip ideal looks one of the bankers of the day.
Hills have pledged to go 3/1 at 8.30am and that price should be snapped up.
Recommended bet: 5pts win So You Think (3/1 Hills - BOG)
