Rosallion Stands Tall in City of York Field

There was always space for a seven-furlong group 1 for older horses in Britain and those calling for one have finally been rewarded with the upgraded City of York Stakes (G1) Aug. 23 at York Racecourse. In years gone by, the City of York would have lacked the pulling power to tempt Richard Hannon into running a proper group 1 horse like Rosallion (IRE). Yet this was still an afterthought. Rosallion was a late absentee due to a bruised foot in the Aug. 17 Prix Jacques le Marois (G1), and the City of York came at the right time as a stand-in group 1 target. It is presumed the minor ailment which forced a late rethink has left no ill effects. A colt with Rosallion's stallion potential would be left alone otherwise. Rosallion's return to seven furlongs, for the first time since his juvenile days, is an interesting move. Late speed was always his most effective attribute as a miler and theoretically York should play to his strengths. Circumstance rather than talent has beaten Rosallion on his past two runs. He shaped best in a slowly run Queen Anne Stakes (G1) and would have won the Sussex Stakes (G1) with lengths to spare if furnished with the even gallop Qirat (GB)'s rider was briefed to set for Field of Gold (IRE). Sectional times confirm that impression as Rosallion was fastest through each of the final three furlongs behind the front-running winner, who finished quicker than par himself. Only another pace misjudgement can see Qirat confirm those positions on the Knavesmire. There is a scarcity of top-class form on offer beneath Rosallion. Audience (GB) is the only other group 1 winner in the field and Racing Post Ratings of 106, 101, 99, 92, and 107 on his past five starts reflect a good handicapper rather than City of York winner. Others have stronger claims of mixing it with Rosallion. Never So Brave (IRE) deserves his shot at a group 1 after progressing out of handicaps with success in the Summer Mile Stakes (G2) at Ascot Racecourse, cutting down a front-runner who built a lengthy lead with an incisive turn of foot. Going back to seven furlongs should do him no harm. Maranoa Charlie (FR) has earned a reputation as a classy and game seven-furlong performer in France. He may also be a group 1 winner in waiting, having been mugged late in the Prix Jean Prat (G1) last time after outgunning everything bar top-class colt Woodshauna (FR). Rosallion's team will be pleased at the volume of early pace in the City of York on paper. Maranoa Charlie will be handy. Audience, Qirat, and Quinault (GER) could feasibly follow suit. Does Qirat deserve more respect? Plenty of column inches have been devoted to Qirat's pirating of the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last month, but does he deserve more respect than punters and bookmakers are giving him? The handicapper raised Qirat 13 pounds to 115 for his neck Goodwood success over Rosallion, which means he is co-second on official ratings alongside Audience, Never So Brave, and Maranoa Charlie. Yet the early market had slotted him at a general 18-1 on Friday lunchtime. Barry Mahon, racing manager to Qirat's owners Juddmonte, said: "He's come out of Goodwood in good shape. Now that his new handicap mark has come into effect he has to compete in these type of races."