‘He’s top class’ – rider Crosse relishing massive Marois test for State Of Rest
Shane Crosse believes Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) winner State Of Rest (Starspangledbanner) has the pace to prove a potent force when dropped back to a mile in Sunday’s Prix Jacques le Marois (Gr 1, 1600m), where top-notch three-year-olds Coroebus (Dubawi) and Maljoom (Caravaggio) could lie in wait.
State Of Rest’s biggest victories have come over further, but Crosse, on board for their Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2f) success at Royal Ascot, believes the shorter Deauville test will prove no problem to the Newgate Farm-bound colt, who had the pace to win a Fairyhouse maiden over six furlongs at two.
Joseph O’Brien has been ambitious in his campaigning of the four-year-old with four top-level wins in four countries across three continents, and dropping in distance against younger rivals is another bold move.
“He seems to be working well, so fingers crossed he gets there in good health and we can tick another box on his agenda,” said Crosse.
“He’s top class. I think he’s as good as there is around at the moment. He mixes it with the best and hopefully on Sunday he can show it again. I don’t think he’s got anything to prove, he’s been there and done it.”
On State Of Rest’s aptitude for the big-race distance, Crosse said: “I think a mile will be fine for him – he’s plenty quick for that trip. It would be great to see him do it over a mile in that class.
“Joseph and I are confident enough that he’ll be well up to doing that over this distance. He’s got lots of pace, so it’s something to look forward to.”
O’Brien, who at the age of 29 recorded his 1,000th winner as a trainer at the Curragh last Saturday, has indicated that a return to Australia later this year to defend his Cox Plate crown is on the cards for State Of Rest.
Johnny Allen was on board for that dramatic success last October, but it is Crosse who has struck up a rich association with the four-year-old entire this season. The rider will be hoping Sunday’s trip to France will be just as fruitful as when the same combination plundered the Prix Ganay (Gr 1, 2100m) at Longchamp in May.
Crosse said: “He’s a dream to ride because he’s so straightforward. There are no quirks about him. Anything we’ve asked of him he’s done it, and more.
“I’m so blessed to have been able to partner him. I’m sure there are jockeys across the weighing room who would be hoping to come across a horse like him, so I know how lucky I am.”
More will be learned about the final field after today’s forfeit stage, but Charlie Appleby nominated the race as Coroebus’ next target after missing the Sussex Stakes (Gr 1, 1m) due to a setback.
William Haggas suggested German 2,000 Guineas (Gr 2, 1600m) winner Maljoom would be targeted at the Jacques le Marois after a fast-finishing fourth behind Coroebus in the St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr 1, 1m) at Royal Ascot.
Cheveley Park Stud’s managing director Chris Richardson also indicated the same race was “under consideration” for dual Group 1 winner Inspiral (Frankel) last month.