No Arc bid for Melbourne Cup star Verry Elleegant but Ascot trip a possible

Last year's Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant has been ruled out of a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid but could still be seen in Europe this autumn with connections considering the Fillies & Mares Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.

The 2020 Caulfield Cup winner has been successful 11 times at the top level and landed Australia’s most famous race by four lengths under James McDonald in November.

She is as short as 25-1 in ante-post betting for the Arc but connections have decided to look elsewhere, with the Fillies & Mares and a repeat crack at the Melbourne Cup among options.

Waller said: “While running her in the Arc would be a dream come true for all of us, we just felt it would come around too soon to enable her to have a proper break and be fully prepared in Australia for this assignment.

“However, a trip to Europe a little later in the year is still strongly on the cards providing she returns to the form she showed when dominating the Melbourne Cup.

“A race we have identified as a prospective target is the Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot, one of the most prestigious racedays in the world and a worthy stage to showcase her talents."

Verry Elleegant finished fifth in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick this month and will have a five-week break before being aimed at the Winx Stakes at the same track, the first of three intended runs on home soil before a decision is made on her Melbourne Cup defence or trip to Europe.

The Fillies & Mares was upgraded to Group 1 status in 2013 and is worth £500,000, with Simple Verse, Magical and Wonderful Tonight among the winners since it became a top-level contest.

Ashalanda was the last winner trained outside of Britain and Ireland when successful in the then Group 2 at Newmarket for Alain de Royer-Dupre in 2009.

Read more . . .

Watch: star mare Verry Elleegant lands first Melbourne Cup for Chris Waller

First Caulfield Cup for Waller as Verry Elleegant defeats Anthony Van Dyck

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter