Richard Hannon: “I’m still confident he will end up a Group One horse”

SUNDAY – LONGCHAMP

1:15 G1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere

Rosallion (Sean Levey)

He was unfortunately beaten at odds on in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last time but they had watered over night and the ground was plenty loose enough, which he didn’t like; however, it’s described as Good at Longchamp, and there’s been no rain all week, so conditions should suit be ideal. He is a colt we have always liked and it’s a shame the bubble was burst last time, but I’m still confident he will end up a Group One horse.

3:05 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

No runner for us in the Arc but it is always a great spectacle and one I shall certainly enjoy watching. It’s a relatively small field, compared to previous years, but that doesn’t make picking the winner any easier. That said, I’ve been extremely impressed with Hukum and Owen Burrows has done a great job bringing him back from injury. He was good in the King George last time and no horse has ever carried the Shadwell silks to victory in this race so it would be nice for that to change on Sunday.

5:00 G1 Prix de La Foret

Shouldvebeenaring (Sean Levey)

I was absolutely delighted with his run in the Sprint Cup last time, and in another couple of yards he might have won, but it still showed what a top-class colt he is, and he deserves to win a very big one. He’s won over this trip before, so I’ve got no concerns on that score, and he has every chance.

Happy Romance (Tom Marquand)

She ran a great race in the Portland, on what was her first start in a Handicap, but she’s back up in grade here and having another go at seven furlongs. Whatever happens here, she owes us all absolutely nothing and hopefully she can put up another bold show. She will make into a lovely broodmare next year, anyway.