Rossi considered for Ebor

James Eustace is planning an audacious raid on the totesport Ebor with Brazilian stayer Valentino Rossi.

The six-year-old entire could make his British debut in the prestigious handicap at York next month, having been given a rating of 98 thanks to some collateral form with which the assessor was able to work.

Eustace is not rushing Valentino Rossi, who carries the same Vintage Thoroughbred colours as leading sprinter War Artist, because he needed time to recover from his long journey.

“We did make entries for Royal Ascot, but he only arrived the week before and he didn’t take the travelling too well, so we turned him out at a local stud for a fortnight,” said the Newmarket trainer.

“He needed a break to recover and he’s come back looking much better. He’s got a bit of condition now and he’s a typical stayer – a tall, leggy and lean horse.

“He won a two-mile Listed race in Brazil which is virtually only the Pattern staying race they have and there isn’t a meaningful programme for stayers.

“We might go straight for the Ebor as we don’t want to rush him.

“He looks the sort of horse that would not need a lot of fast work and he was fit when he arrived.”