Prix Vermeille plan for French Oaks winner Channel after Nassau disappointment

Channel could be set for a first try at a mile and a half next month after finding the speed test of Goodwood not to her liking when beating only two home in the Nassau Stakes.

A tenacious winner of the French Oaks at Chantilly in June, Channel travelled to Sussex with high hopes of extending trainer Francis Graffard's fine recent run at Group 1 level but was unable to land a blow, finishing nearly eight lengths adrift of Deirdre.

"She has come out of the race fine," said Graffard. "I think she might have perhaps been a little short of work on account of the heatwave in France but in reality the race was too tough. They went very hard from the start and she didn't cope."

In the immediate aftermath of the French Oaks, Graffard had been keen to stay around the intermediate trip of ten furlongs but may now attempt to stretch out the daughter of Nathaniel to a mile and a half.

"We're looking at the Prix Vermeille next for her and, while we could wait for the Opera, I hope she'll be ready for the Vermeille," said Graffard.

Channel holds an entry in the Qipco British Champion Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot.

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