By Sean Cronin
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's homebred Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}–Rosaline {Ire}, by New Approach {Ire}) became his first-crop sire's third stakes winner when scooting to an impressive four-length triumph in Saturday's Listed Flexjet Pat Eddery S. at Ascot.
The 11-1 chance, who annexed his June 7 debut over 6 1/2 furlongs at Newbury when last seen, raced under cover in eighth through the early fractions of this straight seven-furlong test. Making eyecatching headway on the bridle once past halfway, he cruised to the front with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and quickened clear in impressive fashion to easily outclass fellow 11-1 chance Al Musmak (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) by daylight. Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) was unable to match the winner's kick and finished 3/4-of-a-length further adrift in third.
“He's a good horse, we always thought he was a good horse and he's my [G1 2000] Guineas horse,” said trainer Richard Hannon after doubling his win tally in the contest. “The further he goes, the better he goes. He's in the [G1 Vincent O'Brien] National S. in Ireland and will obviously be in the [G1] Dewhurst. He's not a small horse, he has loads of scope and he behaves like a very good horse. We're thinking about next year.”
Rosallion becomes the first stakes winner out of an unraced full-sister to G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein victor Ostilio (GB). The April-foaled bay's second dam, Listed Hoppings S. runner-up Reem Three (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {Ire}), has six stakes winners to her credit headed by this term's G1 Queen Anne S. hero Triple Time (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and G1 Prix Jean Romanet victrix Ajman Princess (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). She is also the dam of G3 Bengough S. victor Cape Byron (GB) (Shamardal) and Listed Heron S. winner Captain Winters (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Reem Three, who is a half-sister to G2 Celebration Mile and G3 Sovereign S. victor Afsare (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), is out of a half-sister to stakes-winning G3 Dubai City of Gold runner-up Lost Soldier Three (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}). From the family of G2 Derby Italiano hero Summer Festival (GB) (Poet's Voice {GB}), Rosallion is kin to a yearling colt by Make Believe (GB).
ROSALLION streaks away from his field in the Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes for a comfortable victory! One to keep an eye on Well done to @LeveySean @RHannonRacing and owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum pic.twitter.com/a4FZxqxOaN
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) July 29, 2023
Saturday, Ascot, Britain
FLEXJET PAT EDDERY S. (WINKFIELD S.)-Listed, £50,000, Ascot, 7-29, 2yo, 7fT, 1:30.49, gd.
1–ROSALLION (IRE), 131, c, 2, by Blue Point (Ire)
1st Dam: Rosaline (Ire), by New Approach (Ire)
2nd Dam: Reem Three (GB), by Mark Of Esteem (Ire)
3rd Dam: Jumaireyah (GB), by Fairy King
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum (IRE); T-Richard Hannon; J-Sean Levey. £28,355. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $43,146.
2–Al Musmak (Ire), 131, c, 2, Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Parton (GB), by Kitten's Joy. (95,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Roger Varian. £10,750.
3–Ancient Wisdom (Fr), 131, c, 2, Dubawi (Ire)–Golden Valentine (Fr), by Dalakhani (Ire). (€2,000,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Godolphin; B-Ecurie des Monceaux & LNJ Foxwoods (FR); T-Charlie Appleby. £5,380.
Margins: 4, 3/4, NO. Odds: 11.00, 11.00, 1.75.
Also Ran: Alyanaabi (Ire), Dancing Gemini (Ire), Sunway (Fr), Chaturanga (Ire), Barg (Ire), Bigbertiebassett (GB), How's The Guvnor (Ire).
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