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| Staff Writer |
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Rosallion is primed for a different performance in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot according to trainer Richard Hannon, who remains optimistic despite his charge finishing third in the Lockinge Stakes behind Lead Artist.
The St James's Palace Stakes and Irish Guineas winner was making his seasonal debut after almost a year away from the track. Notable Speech, who had previously beaten Rosallion in the 2000 Guineas but finished fourth at Newbury, is expected to renew rivalry at the royal meeting.
Hannon acknowledged disappointment with the Lockinge result but emphasised the importance of that first run. "I'm not going to lie, it was a little bit disappointing not to win, but he ran a super race," the trainer explained. "The reason he got beat in the Guineas last year, is because he needs that first run. That was evident last year and even more evident this year now he's a year older."
The trainer highlighted how jockey Sean Levey immediately expressed confidence following the race, stating he would win the Queen Anne. Charlie Appleby conveyed similar sentiments from Will Buick, suggesting both camps recognise Rosallion's potential improvement.
Hannon stressed the significance of experience at elite level racing. "You can win with horses in 2YO races who haven't had a run, but at that level it counts. Some in the Lockinge were having their second or third runs of the year and my fellow was having his first run."
The Everleigh trainer expects substantial improvement from his stable star, noting that horses of Rosallion's calibre typically benefit significantly from their seasonal reappearance. "Naturally ours improve for their first run and horses like him especially so. I'm not saying he's a certainty, but I'm looking forward to it."