Bateel continues her ascent at the expense of Abingdon

Bateel (Francis Graffard/Pierre-Charles Boudot) was sent to be trained in France by owners Al Asayl Bloodstock because of her predilection for soft ground.

But having given her new trainer a first success in Britain at Haydock back in June, the Dubawi filly showed a sound surface holds no terrors with a neck defeat of Traffic Jam in the Group 2 Haras Firmamento Prix de Pomone, with another length and a half back to the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Abingdon in third.

"Haydock went well and she continues to improve," said Graffard. "She isn't entered in the Yorkshire Oaks, but the Prix Vermeille looks the obvious race for her. I'm delighted for the team and for the owners for showing confidence in me."

'A little disappointing'

Abingdon looked to hold every chance under Ryan Moore but was never quite able to reel in Bateel.

"She was maybe a little disappointing coming home because Ryan felt he was there with a chance," said Peter Reynolds, who is overseeing the gradual disperal of the Ballymacoll Stud empire.

"She's run another good race and we'll take her home and see where we go from here. She'll go to sale in December with the mares and the fillies out of training. She has plenty of time and Michael will take her home and we'll see where we go."

Tiberian: the Grand Prix de Deauville is a possibility before a tilt at the Melbourne Cup

Olivier Peslier was edged out by a neck on Traffic Jam in the Pomone but got the fractions just right in front as Tiberian held off Doha Dream by a short head in the Group 3 Haras de Pomme Prix de Reux

"I was disappointed with what happened in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, where he never relaxed after being bothered by another horse next to him," said trainer Alain Couetil.

"Here he relaxed in front for Olivier, who was left with little choice but to make it after the others all held their mounts up.

"He doesn't over-exert himself in the mornings and so I think he's a horse with some miles left in him. I'd like to run him once more before he heads to Australia and the Melbourne Cup, so the owners and I might look at the Grand Prix de Deauville."

If you like this, you should read . . .

Peslier takes the long way home with a spare Ryde en route