Via Ravenna to go Close in the Prix Rothschild
2.55 Deauville, Prix Rothschild
Qemah is looking to win the Prix Rothschild for the second year and 2/1 does seem a fair price considering her level of form. Usherette may have looked unlucky, finishing a length behind Qemah in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot but I think she is unlikely to reverse the placings despite the betting suggesting it’s going to be close. While I think Qemah is the most likely winner I will chance Andre Fabre’s lightly raced Via Ravenna at a price.
Via Ravenna only made her race course debut in March this year, winning a maiden on the poly track at Chantilly before taking in the key French trial for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, the Group 3 Prix Imprudence. She was sent off the outsider of Fabre’s two runners in the race, but after being settled at the rear of the field she came with a sweeping run down the outside to win with little fuss.
She went in to the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches vying for favouritism with Senga, but could only finish seventh of the sixteen runners. She travelled well in that race but found very little in the final furlong having looked dangerous. It’s possible that the very soft ground, which she encountered for the first time was not to her liking. Fabre dropped her down to 6 furlongs but was beaten 3 lengths in to fourth against seasoned older sprinters.
Back over a more suitable distance and returning to good ground I’ll chance her against the field at 22/1 each way. She should still be on the upgrade on only her fifth start and with conditions looking more likely to suit, she could go close at a big price.
Aiden O’Briens Roly Poly has run some great races behind stable mate Winter and she should be suited by today's conditions as long as the rain keeps away on the good ground. She is a best priced 6/1 with the UK bookies and slightly bigger on the PMU, around 8.4. She finished just in front of Via Ravenna in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches so it’s worth keeping an eye on the PMU if she looks like going off at a decent price.
Recommended Bets
Via Ravenna, 22/1 Eachway William Hill
Roly Poly, if 8+ on the PMU
