Red Rocks Among 23 In Rose Of Lancaster

Improving three-year-old Red Rocks could bid to register his first victory in Pattern company in the £75,000 Group Three Petros Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (2.45pm) over an extended 10 furlongs at Haydock on Saturday, August 12.

The Brian Meehan-trained colt, who began this season with two clear-cut victories over 10 furlongs, has finished runner-up on his last two starts over a mile and half, going down by a neck to Papal Bull in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 23, and then chasing home Rail Link in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on July 14.

Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to owner Paul Reddam, said: 'He is a possible runner at this moment in the Petros Rose Of Lancaster Stakes and the decision to run is entirely up to Brian Meehan. He´s come out of his French race absolutely fine and is in good order.

'The winner won fair and square last time but we had to make the running which wasn´t ideal. We would like there to be plenty of pace in his next race so that could decide where we go with him.

'He seems to like quick ground and is proven on soft ground so he´s a versatile horse. We´re aiming towards the St Leger and we think he has the stamina, but you just don´t know at this stage.

'On the form he´s shown, if he runs at Haydock on Saturday then he´s got to have a very good chance.'

Another who could line up for the Group Three prize is the Michael Jarvis-trained Hinterland, ninth last time out from an unfavourable draw in the seven-furlong totesport International Stakes behind Dabbers Ridge at Ascot on July 29.

The four-year-old has previously shown progressive form this season, winning handicaps at Epsom over a mile and half a furlong and Sandown over a mile. He was also fourth to Cesare in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot on June 21.

Jarvis said today: 'Hinterland has a few options at present and the Petros Rose Of Lancaster would be a new distance for him, but he would have a chance of getting the trip on pedigree.

'He was drawn on the wrong side last time and the seven furlongs was a bit sharp for him, but he seems in good form, although he never shows you that much.

'He´s having a good year and I think he´s probably still improving.

'Notability (also entered in the Rose Of Lancaster Stakes) wants cut in the ground and could go instead for the one mile handicap on the same card (£25,000 Racing UK On Sky 432 Handicap).

'We´d also love to run Ofaraby at Haydock (in the £80,000 totesport.com Handicap over an extended 10 furlongs) but he won´t appear if firm appears in the ground description.'

Other interesting contenders for the Petros Rose of Lancaster Stakes include last year´s winner Notable Guest from the Sir Michael Stoute yard, who could be joined by his improving stable companion, Tam Lin. Godolphin has three to choose from at this stage with Ashaawes, Perfectperformance and Windsor Knot all engaged while Mark Johnston could run Road To Love, who would be stepping up to Pattern company after recent impressive front-running performances in handicaps at Ascot and Goodwood. Haydock Park specialist Luca Cumani has entered Vol de Nuit, third in Group One company in Italy last time out.

The 40-strong entry for the £80,000 totesport.com Handicap (3.20pm) includes last year´s victor Courageous Duke, recent John Smith´s Cup hero Fairmile, the Alan Swinbank-trained Formal Decree, successful at Newmarket´s July Meeting, plus Spectait, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and recently victorious in the valuable totesport Mile at Glorious Goodwood.

GROUND

Kirkland Tellwright, Clerk of the Course, reported this morning: 'We had good rain last week, very light rain at the weekend and light showers are forecast for Thursday night and Friday morning.

'We are currently good to firm, good in places, and we are watering to maintain that ground. The extent to which we water will depend on what rain we get.'