"Richard Hannon expresses optimism about Rosallion's performance, noting it's been a while since he's seen such effort from the horse in a generational showdown"
The 2025 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 30 promises to be an exciting affair, with a field of top-class horses set to compete. Among the favourites are Field Of Gold, Henri Matisse, Rosallion, and Carl Spackler, who have all shown consistent high-level form this season.
Leading the pack is Field Of Gold, an outstanding colt aiming for a Group 1 hat-trick. The top 3-year-old miler last season, Field Of Gold has been highly impressive this year and is the favourite with odds of 2-5.
Henri Matisse, with odds of 11-2, is another strong contender. Although specific past results are not detailed, Henri Matisse's odds indicate solid form and high expectations.
Rosallion, trained by Richard Hannon, is another contender in the Sussex Stakes. Last year's runner-up, Rosallion narrowly lost to Carl Spackler at Ascot on June 17, 2025, by 1.75 lengths. However, Rosallion has improved his performance in every race this year and is the betting favourite this time.
Carl Spackler, now trained by Ciaron Maher, is a three-time Grade 1 winner in the US. Although he finished sixth in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, Carl Spackler is expected to improve on his performance and compete strongly in the Sussex Stakes.
Other horses in the field include Docklands, Qirat, Serengeti, and Carl Spackler. Docklands, who placed 6th at Ascot on June 17, 2025, has shown superior form at Ascot and holds an entry here with Tom Marquand aboard. Qirat, trained in Great Britain, has had moderate success and holds a rating near 117, but is a rank outsider here at 150-1 odds. Serengeti is a long shot with 300-1 odds, and details about their previous performance and ratings are harder to find.
Ciaron Maher is confident that Carl Spackler will be in contention in the Sussex Stakes, and Will Bourne, Maher's head of bloodstock, believes Carl Spackler is going to improve immensely. Will Bourne also expects that Carl Spackler might secure a minor placing, given the quality of the favourite.
Harry Eustace, Docklands' trainer, believes Docklands won on merit in their previous race, and Docklands has clocked his best Racing Post Ratings at Ascot. However, Rosallion was beaten by Docklands at Royal Ascot, but this time Rosallion is the betting favourite.
In conclusion, the 2025 Sussex Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with strong favourites like Field Of Gold, Henri Matisse, Rosallion, and Carl Spackler who have shown consistent high-level form, battling it out with several outsiders who could challenge but are considered lower probability candidates.
In the anticipated 2025 Sussex Stakes, several horses with impressive racing records will compete, including Field Of Gold, Henri Matisse, Rosallion, and Carl Spackler. Henri Matisse, despite lacking specific past results, is a strong contender with solid form and high expectations, denoted by odds of 11-2.
