Rosallion is gearing up for the challenge of a lifetime as he prepares to face his 2000 Guineas conqueror, Notable Speech, in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. This rematch has been a common occurrence in the Group One event, with trainers seeking redemption for their star colts after defeats in the opening Classic of the season.
Richard Hannon, trainer of Rosallion, is optimistic about his colt's chances following his win at the Curragh last month. However, he acknowledges that it will be a tough test, with Notable Speech and French 2000 Guineas winner Metropolitan also in the mix. Hannon believes that the winner of this race will be a perfect horse, and he is looking forward to the challenge.
Charlie Appleby, the trainer of Notable Speech, respects Rosallion's abilities and views the race as a fascinating contest. Jockey William Buick praises Notable Speech's extraordinary powers of acceleration. At the same time, French trainer Jerome Reynier is confident in the abilities of his colt Darlinghurst, who is unbeaten in four starts this season.
Aidan O’Brien, who saddles Henry Longfellow and Unquestionable, hopes to secure his 400th Flat winner at the highest level in the race. Both colts were top-class as two-year-olds but struggled in their early-season Classic races. O’Brien is optimistic about their chances and believes they have a fighting chance against elite opposition.
The field is completed by Ed Walker’s Almaqam and Owen Burrows’ Alyanaabi, making it a star-studded lineup for one of the opening day’s feature events at Royal Ascot.