‘We haven’t seen the real Verry Elleegant’ – Graffard hoping for Ascot revival
Francis Graffard might feel he is due a change of luck after recent events but his chief hope for Verry Elleegant’s (Zed) challenge in the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 4f) at Ascot tomorrow is that she can show European audiences her true colours.
Graffard was forced to run Verry Elleegant in the sex-restricted Prix de Royallieu (Gr 1, 2800m) at Longchamp at the beginning of October after it became clear she did not have a sufficient rating to make the final cut for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1, 2400m) 24 hours later.
Verry Elleegant got lit up under Mark Zahra on the inside of runners and pulled too hard, before finding her way barred by a wall of horses in the straight, finishing seventh.
But Graffard is convinced from what he has seen in the mornings that the 11-time Group 1 winner can be competitive if granted the rub of the green.
The star New Zealand-bred mare has drawn barrier eight in the 14-runner field, for which she is a 25-1 outsider behind 7-2 favourite Emily Upjohn (Sea The Stars).
“She had a rotten trip the other day in the Prix de Royallieu and it was frustrating because she is a mare with real quality and we haven’t yet seen the real Verry Elleegant in Europe,” said Graffard.
“I hope she will have no excuses on Saturday and that we can really measure her against the best fillies and mares.”
As when third in the Prix Foy (Gr 2, 2400m) on Arc Trials day, Verry Elleegant looked a little uncomfortable on the descent into the false straight at Longchamp and connections hope everything about this weekend’s race will play out better than in her three starts since joining Graffard from Chris Waller in June.
“The undulations at Longchamp weren’t ideal for her and I think Ascot will suit her better,” said Graffard, who has booked Mickael Barzalona to ride. “She is a mare who needs to feel comfortable and more than anything a smooth run in a race with a decent rhythm.”