Black Lotus seeks valuable Listed victory as she tackles her juniors at Ayr

3.20 Ayr
British Stallion Studs EBF Rothesay Stakes (Listed) | 1m2f | 4yo | RTV

Shenanigans ended a run of four-year-old winners in this fillies and mares' contest when she beat her younger rivals as the 11-10 favourite in 2019. Two years on and Black Lotus will look to achieve the same feat.

The six-year-old veteran of the field tackles nine rivals who should theoretically have fresher legs, but on official ratings, Black Lotus is the horse to beat.

Owned by breeder Salah Fustok, the main aim with this mare has been to achieve a black-type success. Twice she has placed at this level, including on her seasonal reappearance when third to La Lune at Nottingham, but a victory has proved elusive. Will today be the day?

The unexposed Bharani Star and improving Arriviste are rated just 1lb lower than Black Lotus. The former was set some tough tasks last season, but almost justified her connections' ambition when she took fourth in the Group 2 Ribblesdale behind Frankly Darling. The Oaks was too tough next time.

Given she won fresh last year, she has to come under consideration. Arriviste needs to improve to beat Black Lotus given she finished three-quarters of a length behind her at Nottingham, though a faster gallop would suit this keen-goer.

Her ownermate, A La Voile, split the pair that day and looks for revenge for trainer Sir Michael Stoute, who will have her fitter today. The race-fit Pholas, in-form Propriety and Irish challenger Astadash all spark interest in what is a wide-open affair.

Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Thady Gosden, joint trainer of Anastarsia
It looks a deep enough race but she’s ready to start off after taking some time to come to hand. She’s up in trip but shapes as if she’ll stay and the ground should be fine for her.

Rae Guest, trainer of Arriviste
She ran well first time out at Nottingham and has improved from that and we are expecting a big run. She handles most ground so everything seems in her favour.

Peter Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Bharani Star
She’s in good form at home and I expect her to finish in the first three. We tried her over further than this last year but all the jockeys said to drop her back and the fast ground won’t be a problem.

Chris Wall, trainer of Black Lotus
She’s been second and third at this level in recent years so it would be nice to get her head in front. It looks a tight race and she needs everything to drop right but she’s pleased us since her return at Nottingham.

George Boughey, trainer of Pholas
It was a bit of a fact-finding mission at Goodwood last time and she goes here with a live chance as she’s improving all the time. We’ll ride her as we usually do which is to drop her out, and we know she’ll be hitting the line.

Reporting by David Milnes

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