Kitty Rose is set to step up in distance for her final European outing before heading to Australia, competing in the Sumbe Prix Alec Head at Deauville on Sunday.
The daughter of Invincible Army, who won two of her three starts as a juvenile under Natalia Lupini, was acquired by Australian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr for owner Tim Porter. This move followed a narrow defeat to Paddy Twomey’s A Lilac Rolla at Leopardstown. Since then, Kitty Rose has shown commendable form at Royal Ascot and finished second in the Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket for her new connections.
Roy Storch, the travelling head lad for Price and Kent Jnr, commented on her progress: “She’s improving with every race, and her form seems to be holding up well. The horse she beat for third at Newmarket went on to win at Goodwood, which is a positive indicator. She’s galloping beautifully and is fit, healthy, and in good spirits.”
Storch also noted, “Given how well she finished her race at Newmarket, particularly with her staying on up the hill, we decided to step her up to 10 furlongs. Oisin Murphy is confident she will handle the distance well. Deauville’s flat track and turns should suit her better and help her focus, as she appeared a bit lost racing up the straight at Newmarket.”
Kitty Rose, described as a dream to handle, will be heading to Australia with plans to compete in the prestigious Golden Eagle. She is scheduled to enter quarantine in early September before travelling to Victoria. Once settled at Price and Kent Jnr’s base in Cranbourne, there will be numerous opportunities for her in Australia.