3 minute read
Shes Perfect will face a field of eleven after a dozen horses were confirmed for Sunday’s Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly.
Trained by Charlie Fellowes for the Basher Watts Racing syndicate, Shes Perfect will return to France looking to avenge defeat for her agonising second in last month's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. A race which saw her finish first past the post before being demoted to the silver medal position by the raceday stewards.
The daughter of Sioux Nation will begin her challenge from stall seven under regular rider Kieran Shoemark, while Mandanaba, who finished one spot further back when the pair met in Paris last time, has been handed gate ten.
Mandanaba will be joined by a pair of Francis-Henri Graffard-trained stablemates in the shape of Cankoura and Gezora. The former has been drawn in stall eleven, while the latter will come from one as she bids to follow up her latest success in the Group 2 Prix Saint-Alary.
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for two of the twelve declarations, with Bedtime Story and Merrily both in line to take their chance. Bedtime Story will have to defy the widest stall of all under Prix du Jockey Club winning rider Ryan Moore, with Epsom Derby hero Wayne Lordan set to partner stablemate Merrily from gate three.
Ed Walker's American Gal (stall eight) adds further depth to the English challenge, with Oisin Murphy booked to ride the John and Thady Gosden-trained Sand Gazelle (stall four).
Colin Keane will enjoy his first taste of Group 1 action since becoming the retained rider for owners Juddmonte when he partners the Andre Fabre-trained Better Together. Keane, who was in Newmarket on Wednesday to partner Queen Anne hopeful Lead Artist, is yet to sit on the daughter of Oasis Dream. Andre Fabre's filly stayed on nicely through the line to finish fifth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month and will break from stall nine as she steps up to ten furlongs for the first time.
Gianluca Bietolin's Prix Cleopatre scorer Zia Agnese will come from gate six under Ronan Thomas.
D'Ores Et Deja, who carries the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, and Christopher Head's Rosa Salvaje, complete the field of twelve.
