Coach Francis Graffard is looking forward to getting back on track with the female protagonist of the Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1) Verry Elleegantwith an appearance at ParisLongchamp on Arc Trials day, the target for a group 1 winner was 11 times.
Verry Elleegant looked like he needed to run when he finished seventh in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet (G1) in Deauville last month on a track that prioritizes runners close to speed.
The Prix Vermeille (G1) or the Prix Foy (G2) on September 11 will give her the opportunity to step up to a mile and a half on a more galloping track, with the mare’s performance likely to have a big impact on her performance. she then advanced to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) on the same course and gap three weeks later.
Graffard said: “She has two entries, Vermeille and Foy, and I am aiming to run her in Prix Foy.
Frankie Dettori has once again announced that he is ready to ride Verry Elleegant, who struggled to get up early in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet (G1) in his first start since the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Randwick on April.
“Perhaps there will be fewer runners (in Foy) but the mare has also really taken it a step further since her comeback,” says Graffard. “She really seems to be starting to bloom.
“I can’t wait to see her pass 2,400 meters (one and a half miles) of easier ground. The Foy would be a less difficult pick for her first time at Longchamp, as it usually is. run as a preparation rather than an objective contest.”
Verry Elleegant will need to be replenished at a cost of £120,000 for the Arc, with her current price ranging between 25-1 and 66-1.
She is currently nominated for the Prix de Royallieu (G1) on the eve of the Arc as well as the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1) on the Qipco British Champions Day in Ascot.
Owned by Jomara Bloodstock, Verry Elleegant was moved to Graffard’s warehouse upon arrival in France this past May. 7 year old daughter of Zed was previously coached by Chris Waller. Under Waller’s care, she was awarded Australia’s Horse of the Year 2020/2021 following victories in the Melbourne Cup and the 2020 Stella Artois Caufield Cup (G1).
Verry Elleegant puts on a stellar 16-8-3 record from 39 starts and makes over $10.7 million.
