QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
ASCOT, SATURDAY OCTOBER 18
Field Of Gold has been the standout horse of his generation over a mile this season and his victory in the St James’ Palace Stakes was undeniably a real ‘wow’ moment.
However, he has looked vulnerable on a couple of occasions when events haven’t quite gone his way and there are several in Saturday’s field who are easily good enough to take any advantage of slip ups.
The favourable weather forecast during the week means Fallen Angel might not be the most obvious danger after all and that tag looks likely to be left at the feet of ROSALLION (best price 9-2) who bids to atone for many unlucky breaks he has received over the course of the season.
Just touched out by Docklands in the Queen Anne over the C&D at the Royal meeting, Richard Hannon’s colt was easily the best horse in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, but as we know, the way the race panned out didn’t suit him, or any of the main pack trying to gun down Qirat, who slipped the field at a crucial stage.
That said, he still managed to finish ahead of Field Of Gold (reportedly to have been slightly lame) and when you look at that effort in isolation, it is hard to work out how he has been as big as 8-1 in the ante-post markets.
Undone by the draw at York next time (11 of 11), he still ran well under the circumstances and in the Group 1 Prix Du Moulin at Longchamp last time out, he was once again done no favours by the ballot (11 of 12).
Dropped out to the back of the field early at the Paris-based circuit, he only had one behind him turning for home, but a strong late burst carried him passed 10 of his 12 opponents in the final three furlongs (33.1 compared to winner’s 33.4) and he only just failed to get up in the dying strides.
On another day, he would have landed at least one of the five Group 1’s he has contested this season and if ever a horse deserves a change of fortune, it’s him.
Given this is the only big Group 1 left for him to contest, connections must have been hoping for decent weather in the build-up and with their prayers answered, it is over to Rosallion to prove it has been pure bad luck rather than lack of ability or application that has blighted his campaign.
Whichever way you strip it down, it is hard to envisage the son of Blue Point not being a massive factor come the weekend and at his current odds, he rates a solid each-way alternative to Field Of Gold.
Of the rest, Delacroix looks almost certain to tackle the 1m2f contest, The Lion In Winter looks to have plenty to find on all known form, while the ground is likely to be too lively for the likes of Facteur Cheval and Dancing Gemini.
Both Docklands and Never Too Brave have proven they can beat Rosallion at their best and must be respected, but they would both need to peak again and that is easier said than done at the back of a hard season.
Advice – ROSALLION – 2-points each-way@9-2