Rhododendron all the rage for French Classic clash with Shutter Speed

Shutter Speed had appeared sure to start favourite for the Prix de Diane Longines ever since winning the Musidora, but her position in the market for Sunday's Classic at Chantilly has come under increasing pressure from dual Classic bridesmaid Rhododendron.

On Wednesday Paddy Power introduced Rhododendron at 7-2 for the French version of the Oaks, at which point she was vying for second favouritism with local hope Terrakova.

But the money has come steadily for the Guineas and Oaks runner-up since she was declared on Thursday, with Ryan Moore playing one of his two disciplinary jokers to postpone the first part of a two-day ban in order to take the ride.

On Friday night Paddy Power were quoting 6-4 about Rhododendron, though Betfred offered 2-1. Shutter Speed's odds range from 13-8 to 15-8.

"With Royal Ascot on the horizon the Diane market is yet to take off but we must admit to being surprised to see Rhododendron going to Chantilly," said Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield. "Previously we'd taken the view Shutter Speed was a good thing."

Terrakova – a daughter of Galileo and Goldikova – is the only other filly in the 16-runner field to be trading at single figures, while Yellow Storm is a 100-1 chance for Maryline Eon, set to become the first woman to ride in the Classic.