Boussac glory for 'new Zarkava'
Rosanara lived up to the hype to claim the Total Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp today.
Touted by many shrewd judges as the new Zarkava, who won this race two years ago, the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained filly showed plenty of class to preserve her unbeaten record.
Ridden by comeback kid Christophe Soumillon, whose return from injury this weekend has been nothing short of sensational, Rosanara comfortably justified favouritism – despite her relative inexperience.
It was not all plain-sailing for the Aga Khan-owned grey, who nearly unshipped Soumillon once the gates opened.
Her jockey also had to battle against the filly’s rather head-strong tendencies inside the first couple of furlongs.
Once that issued was addressed, the Group One prize was there for the taking.
Rosanara had been smartly poised in fifth behind the front-running Kilo Alpha, but soon made smart progress entering the home straight.
A couple of smacks from her rider was all that was required as the 2-1 favourite slalomed down the centre of the track to handsomely defeat On Verra (33-1).
Joanna was third, while Aidan O’Brien’s Cabaret was bitterly disappointing.
Rosanara has been installed as a 7-1 chance by William Hill for next year's 1000 Guineas and her rider was understandably delighted following her victory.
Soumillon, who is shortly to leave his retainer with the Aga Khan, said: “It’s unbelievable – I’m in the sky right now and I don’t want to come down.”
Soumillon added: "She is a great filly, but different to Zarkava and you must not make comparisons."
The Aga Khan said: “We were very happy to have Christophe back. We were waiting to see how he got on yesterday, but he seemed to be fine.
“The filly tripped up when she broke from the stalls, but she is not a difficult ride and we were really happy with her.”
Royer-Dupre said: “She showed really good acceleration and she must have a very big heart because she is very small physically. It is likely we will aim her for the Pouliches next season (French 1000 Guineas).”
Francois Doumen felt his decision to step On Verra up from Group Three company was more than justified.
He said: “She’s shown a lot of improvement from her last race to here, which tempted us to come for a Group One. That was slightly pretentious on our behalf, but she has proved us right.
“She has a fantastic mentality and is quiet and relaxed but when she runs she takes a keen hold early on, she then drops her head and gets ready for an amazing acceleration. She’s very promising, although we will take it one step at a time.”
Joanna was making her debut for new owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum after he snapped up the Italian-trained filly following a Group Three win at Deauville.
The owner’s racing manager, Angus Gold, said: “I’ve never seen her before so I don’t know a lot about her, but I’m thrilled and she has a fantastic temperament.
“She was in a lovely position all through the race and settled beautifully. She was struck into as some point so did well to end up where she did. I’m not sure about middle distances for next season and think a mile may be her forte.”
