Connections Anticipating an Ideal Goodbye with Rogue Millennium
Rogue Millennium Set for Final Outing at Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Prepare for a thrilling spectacle as Rogue Millennium returns to the scene of her greatest triumph this Saturday. The talented four-year-old, owned by The Rogues Gallery and trained by Tom Clover, has been a shining star under their guidance over the past two seasons. Despite being acquired for a relatively modest sum of 35,000 guineas in 2021, she has consistently delivered remarkable performances.
This exceptional filly not only secured her trainer’s first Listed success in Lingfield’s Oaks Trial but also clinched victory in the prestigious Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier this year. Her triumph paved the way for subsequent appearances in Group One events, with notable achievements including a second-place finish behind Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Tahiyra in the Matron Stakes.
As Rogue Millennium prepares to give it her all one last time at British Champions Day’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, excitement is running high among connections. However, this will likely be her farewell performance before heading to the sales ring during December’s Sceptre sale held alongside Tattersalls’ December Mares Sale.
“She was our first Listed winner, our first Group winner and our first Royal Ascot winner,” said Clover when reflecting on their journey with Rogue Millennium. “For the Rogues and all its members, it has been nothing short of terrific to compete against top connections and experience these momentous races.”
Clover acknowledges that whatever happens on race day—whether win or lose—their prized filly has been an outstanding asset: “Winning or losing aside, she has served us exceptionally well throughout her career. However, it would be ideal if she could end things on a high note after a disappointing run at Longchamp in her previous outing.”
The underwhelming performance at Longchamp occurred during the Prix de l’Opera over a distance of 10 furlongs on Arc day. Nonetheless, there is renewed hope as she returns to the same course and distance where she previously excelled, triumphing at the renowned Royal meeting.
Clover draws encouragement from Rogue Millennium’s commendable display against Tahiyra at Leopardstown in September: “She has been training exceptionally well lately. It can be difficult to gauge if fillies are reaching their peak or not at this time of year. However, based on her home workouts, she appears in great form both physically and mentally.”
With the belief that Rogue Millennium thrives over this specific course and distance, Clover remains optimistic about her chances. He comments, “She handled very soft ground at Longchamp earlier this season, so I believe that with an extra 100 yards or even a furlong added to the race length; she could have closed down Tahiyra in the Matron Stakes.”
“If she can replicate such a performance,” continues Clover optimistically, “she will undoubtedly pose a serious challenge against formidable competitors—an extraordinary achievement for her owners.”