The Rosstafarian makes a stunning winning debut and is the Racing Post 'Star Performer'
Fri 02 Oct 2020
OUR 56th WINNER OF 2020: THE ROSSTAFARIAN, trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by James Doyle: 'The Pkf Francis Clark British EBF Novice Stakes' over 1m at Salisbury.
A 2 year old's debut is always a nervous thing - the preliminaries, the newness of routine and location, but some horses just brush that aside and put their trainers teachings, combined with their ability to good use. Our striking son of Starspangledbanner had a couple of 'green' moments in the paddock as James got on board and whilst collecting at the stalls, but as the gates opened, the story unfolded....
Breaking steadily from stall 12, he settled in midfield on the outer. At the 3 pole, James started to get lower in the saddle and he made headway over 2f out. Going on to lead after a shake up of the reins a furlong out, he went clear final in the final furlong, to win comfortably by over 4 lengths.
You can watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/295079-pkf-francis-clark-british-ebf-novice-stakes-4-d-ii
The Racing Post listed him as their 'Star Performer' from the card: "The Rosstafarian (12.50) won as he liked on debut and should be capable of winning another novice under a penalty." Timeform gave him an 89p rating and say: "Had no problem seeing it out to make a winning start, knowing what was required, but doing it in the style of one who should have more to come; mid-field, headway over 3f out, went on over 2f out, forged clear."
James said after the race: "Very pleased with him. He moved through the middle part of the race well and quickened away nicely once he got balanced on the rain softened ground in the last furlong. He's a nice horse with a really good attitude."
Hugo says: "He galloped all the way to the line and I was surprised that he handled the soft ground so well, as he'll be better on good ground. I'm sure he will be better next year, but there could be more excitement to come this year!"
Syndicate manager Tom Palin says: "Well he couldn't have been more impressive on debut! To win over 1 mile on soft first time out is not an easy task and as Hugo has said, he thinks he will be better on good ground, shows his versatility. I see also that his time was quicker than the first division of the race. We have some nice races in mind for him, which we have told his owners about, but we'll treat each one on it's merits and see how he is. But for now, especially for the owners whose first horse he is with us, WELL DONE! Thank you to James, Hugo and team for their hard work. We are delighted to have placed a Dark Angel yearling colt with him for next year!
🇫🇷 @InfoArqana Yearling Sales 🇫🇷
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣: @hpalmerracing and @mcstayagent purchase yesterday's impressive 4¼ lengths winner THE ROSSTAFARIAN.
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣: They purchase this smashing Dark Angel colt out of, Galileo mare, Pandora’s Box!🤞https://t.co/e7xiUEdPu7#TeamMPR #DejaVu pic.twitter.com/02qdyEgfXC
— Middleham Park Racing (@MprUpdates) October 2, 2020
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