Vitesse seeking Cork victory

Rod Millman is looking forward to a big run from Roi de Vitesse in the Kerry Spring Water Rochestown Stakes at Cork on Sunday.

The Chineur colt has won his last two starts at Pontefract and Nottingham in the style of a progressive youngster and Millman is keen to give him a chance in Listed company.

“The form has stood up very well from Pontefract. The second (Walkingonthemoon) came out and ran very well on Derby weekend at Epsom,” said the Cullompton trainer.

“He’s done nothing but thrive since he ran. We’re looking forward to it and he should run a big race.

“Our horse is not a sprinter. We’re really waiting for the seven-furlong races to start, but there’s nothing for him yet so we thought we’d take this in. He’s going well and entitled to take his chance.

“We didn’t think he was good enough to win at Royal Ascot so we thought we’d go for this race.”

There is a second British challenger among a six-strong field in the shape of the Mark Johnston-trained Avonrose.

The daughter of Avonbridge stepped up markedly on her first run at Redcar by opening her account the next time at the seaside venue.

“It’s impossible to know at this stage what you are up against and how good your horse is but these Listed races in Ireland and the rest of Europe seem to break up and have weaker fields,” said the Middleham handler.

“It’s time we started to have some runners in them.”