Rosallion looks rock-solid as he attempts to go one better in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday afternoon.
Richard Hannon’s charge found the improving, and race-fit, Notable Speech too strong on his seasonal debut at Newmarket earlier in the month and should be hard to beat now with that run under his belt.
Rosallion (right) colt didn’t appear to have any problems seeing out the mile for the first time in the English Classic and despite this being a stiffer track that wouldn’t be a major concern.
Obviously he’s by a sprinter but his dam is by Derby winner New Approach and there is stamina on her side.
He did run a bit keenly early on last time and with an outing under his belt he may race a bit kinder for Sean Levey.
Hannon also saddles Newmarket third Haatem, a strong second-string to have. The impressive Craven winner ran well for a long way last time but looks held on that effort.
Aidan O’Brien saddles three in the race and River Tiber is the stable’s leading hope with Ryan Moore on board.
The Wootton Bassett colt has yet to prove himself over a mile and it would have to be a concern.
All his runs at two came at sprint trips and he was last seen finishing third to Vandeek over six furlongs in the Middle Park.
O’Brien has admitted himself he’s not guaranteed to get the trip and this will be a real test of his stamina first time up.
The Ballydoyle maestro’s comments regarding Breeders Cup winner Unquestionable also ironically put a question mark over his chances.
He reportedly had a slight setback a few weeks ago and is not expected to be as forward as his stablemate on his return to action.
All things point to Rosallion as the most solid of bets in the race but he’s going to be a short enough price as a result.
The preceding Orby Stakes may be more of a betting heat and Raise You makes plenty of appeal after a promising run on his return from a lengthy absence here last month.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge was on the sidelines for 19 months after picking up an injury while out in Australia for an aborted attempt at the Sydney Cup.
It was very encouraging the way he travelled over 10 furlongs on his return in the Alleged Stakes and he was making up ground smoothly then when getting hampered over a furlong from home.
He eventually finished fourth to the classy White Birch and there were a lot of positives to take from that run.
Going back up in trip will obviously suit now and given the trouble he found in the race he probably didn’t end up having a hard time of it.
There is nothing between him and English raider Candleford at the weights in the Listed contest and given his liking for the track Raise You gets the vote.
Sumiha is the potential improver in the field and she is entitled to progress from her comeback run, when chasing home Thunder Roll in Cork last month. Her fillies’ allowance leaves her nicely treated as well.
Another horse that loves the Curragh is the Tim Easterby-trained Art Power and he may have another win in him despite his advancing years.
The seven-year-old showed up well for a long way on his return at York 10 days ago and that blow out should have left him spot on for a repeat bid in the Group Three Greenlands Stakes.
Aidan O’Brien could make a quick start to proceedings with his juveniles.
The well-bred Henri Matisse catches the eye in the opener. The Wootton Bassett colt is a half-brother to dual Group One winner Tenebrism.
Camille Pissarro looked very smart when winning on his debut at Navan and can make the step up to Group Three company in the Marble Hill Stakes.
SELECTIONS
1.20 Henri Matisse
1.55 Camille Pissarro
2.30 Art Power
3.05 Raise You (Nap)
3.40 Rosallion (Dbl)
4.15 Saturn
4.50 Grand City Hall
5.25 Ozark Daze
