Rose of Lancaster betting and odds

The Rose of Lancaster Stakes provides the final feature race of Haydock Park’s three-day summer meeting, writes Mikey Mumford. A field of eight runners will head to post for the 1m2f race where Sir Michael Stoute is responsible for current market leader Class Is Class as he chases his third win in this Group 3 contest. Godolphin saddle both Simon De Montfort and Sajjhaa while Roger Varian may hold a strong hand with Hot Prospect, a previous course and distance winner.

Haydock Rose of Lancaster odds

Class Is Class Has been placed in half of his sixteen starts winning three of those on ground described as good. Had nothing more to give at York last time but had run a cracker at Sandown the time before where he had Fallen Idol well held in fifth on his way to a four length victory. His best form has come at this trip and will be ridden up with the pace under former champion jockey Kieren Fallon; shortlisted.

Critical Moment Done most of his racing on good to firm and put together consecutive wins on his final two runs last year. Yet to get going in 2011, Barry Hills’ representative best effort came at Ascot in April behind a runaway leader. Needs to step up on those efforts and may want the ground a little quicker to figure here.

Elusive Pimpernel Fifth in last year’s 2000 Guineas but has gone off the boil since. Was beaten favourite at Newmarket in April and never got going at Sandown a month later. This trip seemed to stretch him last time and his three wins have come over 7f and a mile. He’s been disappointing in his three attempts at 1m2f and hard to have confidence.

Fallen Idol Unbeaten prior to his defeat in this race last year where he appeared to struggle 2f out and was no match for Class Is Class next time at Sandown. Work to do to reverse that bare form and another who has yet to win over today’s trip and probably better over slightly shorter; but hard to rule out for top connections.

Hot Prospect His last win came over course and distance twelve months ago and latest staying-on second at Newbury hinted at a return to form for Roger Varian’s runner. One of only five in the line-up who have won over this trip and return to Haydock might bring out the best in him. Versatile on ground with a little cut and should make a bold bid for a second victory at this track.

Simon De Montfort Racked up a hat-trick of wins in France last year justifying strong support at Longchamp and was a well backed favourite on his reappearance at Meydan in January after 270 days off the track. Not able to back that up at same course next time finishing last of ten despite being sent off 2/1 jolly. May have been something amiss that day and can make amends on his first run in Britain under the impressive Mickael Barzalona.

Myplacelater Largely consistent filly who found herself in the winner’s enclosure on no less than four occasions in 2010. Was outpaced over this trip at York in May but put in a better effort in a listed event last time despite not going pace of winner (Sajjhaa) in second. Likely to be held again by that rival on these terms but game sort who should give her running.

Sajjhaa Justified strong support at York last time and quickened nicely over 1f out and a repeat performance would put Ted Durcan’s mount bang there again. She kept on for a clear second in the Middleton won by Midday in May and should have the beating of few of these; surprise if she’s not in first three.

A nice little renewal and one of Haydock Park’s summer flat season highlights. Sajjhaa can go well if reproducing her second behind Midday and her latest York success. However preference if for Godolphin’s other runner SIMON DE MONTFORT who had a good 2010 campaign in France and his last run in Meydan can be forgiven. He’s relatively fresh and can make his British bow a winning one; Hot Prospect might be the one for minor money. [Mikey Mumford]

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