Rossa Ryan believes Rogue Passion has the credentials to make a bold bid in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on Saturday, with the jockey convinced the filly’s recent form gives her a strong chance of making her mark at the highest level.
Trained by Ed Bethell, Rogue Passion has progressed with each start. After showing promise in maiden races at Catterick and Carlisle, the Sioux Nation filly opened her winning account in a Carlisle novice contest in August. She took another significant step forward on September 6, when Ryan partnered her for the first time in the Group Two Prix d’Aumale at Longchamp.
Rogue Passion settled behind the pace before producing a strong finish to beat Amusingly by a neck over a mile. That result has gained added significance since Amusingly returned to Longchamp on Arc Day to win the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac, strengthening the form ahead of Newmarket.
Rogue Passion’s Form Gives Ryan Confidence
Speaking ahead of the Dubai Future Champions meeting, Ryan said the filly’s recent performance had left him encouraged. He also noted that any rain-softened ground could play to her strengths.
“She’s not the biggest, but she’s all there and she’s compact with a good low centre of gravity, so she should be well balanced down the hill,” Ryan said. He described her as a filly who can settle in behind the pace and quicken when a gap appears, adding that she has enough speed for shorter distances while staying a mile well.
The step up to Group One company will provide a clearer measure of her ability, Ryan acknowledged. But he believes her record compares favourably with the leading contenders and suggested that a higher-profile stable connection might have brought her more attention before the race.
Her Longchamp success was built on patience and a timely opening. Ryan said he allowed the filly to settle before the race unfolded in front of her, and she responded well when the opportunity came. He also pointed to the demanding uphill finish at Carlisle as evidence that she possesses the stamina to see out her races strongly.
The key at Newmarket, he believes, will be helping Rogue Passion relax early before using her finishing speed. With her latest form strengthened by Amusingly’s Group One success, she arrives with a persuasive case as she takes on the best of her generation.
Ryan Also Looks Ahead to Kirchner in the Cesarewitch
Ryan will return in the familiar red and white colours of Rogues Gallery Racing on Dubai Future Champions Day, partnering Kirchner in the Cesarewitch. Trained by James Owen, the four-year-old by Pinatubo has enjoyed a productive season, winning the Brown Jack Handicap at Ascot before finishing second in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
Ryan said Owen’s stable was in good form and felt the step up to two miles and two furlongs could suit Kirchner. He expects the Cesarewitch to develop well before the finish, with positioning and conserving energy early likely to be important over the demanding trip.
The jockey also acknowledged the strength of the opposition, including runners trained by leading British and Irish National Hunt handlers. With the race often unfolding from a long way out, he stressed that Kirchner would need to travel comfortably, find the right position and benefit from a measure of luck.
For Ryan, the two engagements offer different tests: Rogue Passion must prove herself at the top level over a mile, while Kirchner will need stamina and tactical judgement in one of the season’s most demanding staying handicaps.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.