Harry Dunlop’s small team of juveniles now contains at least two gems as Roz became a Listed winner in the Weatherbys VAT Services Star Stakes at Sandown.
There are just 14 two-year-olds at Dunlop’s Windsor House Stables in Lambourn, and among them is Sir Patrick Moore, who landed a valuable prize at Compiegne in June.
Roz went off at 28-1 despite a wide-margin victory on her previous start at Kempton and rarely looked in much danger from the front due to the prowess of Jim Crowley in the saddle.
The jockey’s only dangerous moment was when squeezing eventual third Purr Along onto the rail with a couple of furlongs remaining, landing Crowley a two-day ban (August 9-10) for careless riding.
Roz battled on a length and three-quarters ahead of Savanna La Mar while 2-1 favourite Rayaheen was a bitter disappointment and was eased home last. Richard Hannon jnr, assistant trainer to his father of the same name, reported that Rayaheen had been struck into by another horse.
Dunlop said: “I’ve won good races with horses like Classic Remark and Festoso, but this is very much one of my best winners. She didn’t cost a great deal and I’m thrilled for the owners, who are my landlords. She has kept improving and there might be a Group Three at Goodwood later in the season.”
Dunlop went on: “The two-year-olds have been seriously exciting for me. Sir Patrick Moore won in France and was second in a Listed race there the other day. He could go back for another valuable Listed race at Deauville on August 21, or there’s the Solario Stakes here. It’s great to have a good winner at home though, and hopefully I get sent a few more!”
Owner Mary-Anne Parker said: “She was a present after my mum died, and she’s named after her. It’s very exciting as we’ve seen her grow up through our kitchen window.”
Hannon still got on the board himself, with Pearl Acclaim never out of cruise control in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Stakes. The colt was a hot favourite when beaten by a smart stablemate in Havana Gold at Newmarket and went off at 2-11 here.
Hannon jnr said: “We were gobsmacked when he lost, but he was obviously beaten by a very good two-year-old. He didn’t mind dropping back to five furlongs. He’s in the Gimcrack, so we’ll see.”
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