Rosallion sets stakes record in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on European Road
Oct 01, 2023
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum’s homebred Rosallion was upset on soft going last out, but returned to his brilliant best on a quicker surface in Sunday’s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) on Arc Day at ParisLongchamp. While the British shipper secured 10 points on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, his first Saturday in May is all about the mile classic at home, the 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket.
Trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Sean Levey, Rosallion was settled at the rear as a contested pace unfolded up front. Henry Adams grabbed a slim lead, pressed by Ballymount Boy. Close stalker Unquestionable was the first to make his move in the stretch, but Rosallion was kicking into gear down the outside. The son of leading freshman sire Blue Point rolled to a one-length victory in a stakes-record time of 1:18.23 for about seven furlongs.
Unquestionable held second by 1 1/2 lengths from rallying even-money favorite Beauvatier. Hitherto unbeaten, Beauvatier ended up dropping back to last as Rosallion improved, and he couldn’t bridge enough of the gap late. Henry Adams crossed the wire fourth, and Zabiari rounded out the top five. They picked up European Road points on the 5-3-2-1 basis. Native American faded to sixth after racing near the pace, trailed by Jayarebe, Ballymount Boy, Evade, and West Man.
Rosallion’s 4-3-0-1 record reflects victories in a Newbury maiden and the Pat Eddery S. at Ascot, where he bolted up from three subsequent stakes winners. Runner-up Al Musmak, the next-out winner of the Ascendant S., was just second in Saturday’s Royal Lodge (G2). Rosallion sustained his only loss in the Sept. 16 Champagne (G2) at Doncaster, trudging home third in soft ground that blunted his speed.
Rosallion booked a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), with the Lagardere participating in the Challenge series, but Hannon’s laser focus is on the Guineas. Unquestionable has more of a chance to advance to Santa Anita, according to trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Irish-bred Rosallion is out of the New Approach mare Rosaline, herself a full sister to Group 2 scorer Ostilio and a half to Group 1 winners Ajman Princess and Triple Time.
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