'I think it's her race' - Haggas looks to French return for Sea La Rosa

Sea La Rosa, one of the most progressive fillies in training, is likely to head to Longchamp on Arc weekend for a first crack at a Group 1.

The Tsui family's four-year-old daughter of Sea The Stars won a Redcar handicap off 83 last August but backed up her victory in the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Glorious Goodwood with a resolute defeat of Love Child and Glenartney at Deauville last Sunday.

That success in the Prix de Pomone was achieved under a penalty and was back down in trip over 1m4½f.

William Haggas is eyeing a return to 1m6f in the Prix de Royallieu, which has gone to British-based trainers on all three occasions since being promoted to a Group 1 in 2019, courtesy of Anapurna, Wonderful Tonight and Loving Dream.

Haggas said: "She's fine, she's very tough. I think she'll end up going for the Royallieu."

Sea La Rosa: easier ground might not be a huge problem for herCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Sea La Rosa also has Group 1 entries in the Prix Vermeille on September 11 and the Comer Group International Irish St Leger the same day, while she is in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot a fortnight after the Royallieu.

Of the options available, Haggas added: "We may have a look at the Vermeille but I think the Royallieu is her race. She's had a couple of quick races – and hard ones – so it may be that she'll wait for that.

"There is another Group 2 option in the Park Hill at Doncaster, which is possible. But I feel the Royallieu is probably the right place."

Sea La Rosa has done most of her winning on a sound surface but Haggas is not overly concerned should Longchamp come up soft on October 1.

"I think she’s very genuine," he said. "I've always believed her to be better on top of the ground but I wouldn't avoid it unless it was really awful."

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