4/23/12 - Twenty minutes before the start of the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes, the opening race of Newmarket’s first meeting of the year on the Rowley Mile, Brian Meehan went on television and stated that his newcomer, Cogito, was a potentially useful performer. His words ultimately proved prophetic, as the three-year-old colt won in the style of a horse who could have a big future ahead of him, writes Elliot Slater.

Owned by US-based Paul Redham whose colours were carried to big race success in the States by another Brian Meehan-trained colt, Red Rocks, in the not too distant past, Cogito was sent off a 14/1 shot despite the assertions from his handler that he would not be far from the winners’ enclosure.

Never far from the pace under Martin Dwyer, the son of Giant’s Causeway stretched out in style up the hill inside the final furlong to readily dispose of a decent-looking field, amongst whom, William Haggas’ newcomer, Nine Realms, ran on nicely to be beaten two-and-three-quarter-lengths into second place.

Although connections remained tight-lipped in the aftermath of their victory, it was revealed, later, that plans are afoot for Cogito to visit Royal Ascot in June, where he is likely to be a popular gambit in Ascot betting, but no specific target was mentioned.

What was confirmed, however, was that he will have one more outing, before hopefully heading to the royal meeting, and if all goes well through the second half of the season, a trip to the US in the autumn could very well be on the cards. The race would be an opportunity for his owner to see his charge in the flesh, at what could well turn out to be a fairly high level.

Cogito’s victory proved a timely boost for the Meehan yard, ahead of the seasonal reappearance of their heavily-backed 2000 Guineas fancy, Most Improved, who will put his lofty reputation on the line on the second day of the meeting in the Group 3 Craven Stakes.