Classy stayer My Scotsgrey (NZ) celebrated his first win since returning from injury in the Pencarrowstud Hcp (2100m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The Golan gelding will now head to Melbourne for a start over 2000 metres at Flemington on September 3.  “We’re going to have a go,” trainer Shaune Ritchie said.  “We don’t know where his level is but, all going well, he will then start in the LR Bart Cummings in October.”

A perennial underdog, My Scotsgrey has overcome many obstacles since starting life as an orphan foal.  He was placed in the Listed Geelong Classic and later scored a dominant win in the G3 New Zealand Cup.

Unfortunately, a tendon injury sidelined for most of 2010.  “The old injury doesn’t seem to be a factor,” Ritchie said.  “It gives me special satisfaction to get an older horse back from an injury like that.  It’s one thing for them to recover but it’s another to expect them to stretch out.

“If he doesn’t measure up in Melbourne, he will come home and be prepared for the New Zealand Cup.”

Ritchie will also bring Keep The Peace (Keeper) across the Tasman and her first-up assignment will be the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington on September 3.