Win, lose or draw, Hannon will be proud of Rosallion on Saturday

Rosallion is ready to roll the dice again in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes as he seeks a much sought-after – and deserved – first success of the season.

The Richard Hannon-trained son of Blue Point has three Group Ones on his CV from his two-year-old and three-year-old seasons, but victory has so far eluded him this year, despite a string of big efforts at all the key meetings.

He was involved in the narrowest of finishes in the Queen Anne Stakes, the Sussex Stakes and most recently the Prix du Moulin, with the verdict going to the judge and then ultimately the way of his rival each time.

The QEII against Field Of Gold and company on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday is Rosallion’s next assignment, with the bay colt faring well at home since his trip to ParisLongchamp in early September.

“We’re very happy with him, he did a bit of work yesterday and everything went well,” Hannon told the PA news agency on Monday.

“The ground looks like it won’t be too soft, assuming it is dry between now and then, so everything should hopefully come together for him.

“He came out of his last race in very good nick, he’s had a bit of a break and he’s been moving well and going well ever since.”

Though naturally frustrated not to see his star miler prevail so far this term, Hannon can only be proud of a series of brave efforts in defeat.

He said: “He’s been ultra solid all year. I haven’t been disappointed with any of his runs and while I have been disappointed with the results, I’ve never felt that way about his performance.

“He’s run his race every single time and he’s improved from race to race, if he were to win on Saturday I don’t think anyone could deny that it would be his turn.

“I’ve had to do a few interviews after he’s run with great credit only to come second, and that is hard, but whatever happens on Saturday I will be proud to stand next to him. He is an extremely good horse.”