Ed Vaughan and Hollie Doyle hoping for fairytale with Dame Malliot in Cologne

12.00 Cologne
58th Preis von Europa (Group 1) | 3yo+ | 1m4f

If Hollywood was scripting this year's Preis von Europa there could only be one winner.

Dame Malliot will be saddled by Ed Vaughan, a trainer who will soon retire – not because of age but because the economic climate has tilted the balance too unfavourably. Vaughan has won a Group 3 and two Group 2s, both with Dame Malliot, but never a Group 1.

On board is Hollie Doyle, a young rider whose career is on an entirely different trajectory. She broke the record for winners ridden in a calendar year by a female jockey in Britain last year, sits sixth in the jockeys' championship this year, rode her first Royal Ascot winner in June and now has her first ride in a Group 1.

It comes from a familiar source. Vaughan gave Doyle her first Group winner and is hopeful of providing her first success at the highest level in a race worth £42,373 to the winner.

The trainer said: "The plan is still the plan, whatever happens won't change the reasons but it'd be a fantastic way to go out. Dame Malliot has travelled over fine and is tried and tested over the distance. We gave Hollie her first Group winner so hopefully we can give her a first Group 1 winner as well."

Ed Vaughan stands alongside Dame MalliotCredit: Edward Whitaker

It would be fantastic, but unfortunately for the pair this is sport, not Hollywood, and as Doyle says: "She's obviously got a great chance, it's a shame Barney Roy has an entry as he will be tough to beat.

"He's stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time, but I know my filly stays further and I think the ground will be a bit slower. She goes on any ground which is a bonus."

Barney Roy is a three-time Group 1 winner and trainer Charlie Appleby said: "We were delighted with him in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis, when he won on ground that was softer than ideal. He showed all the signs in that race that a mile and a half will be to his liking.

"If you look at his runs out in Dubai this year, and even the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, he was putting in his best work in the closing stages. If he does get the trip, we know that he is the class horse in the race."

Barney Roy: bids for a fourth Group 1 win at CologneCredit: Caroline Norris

It is not just between the British raiders however, as Czechia-based Nagano Gold – best known for his close second to Defoe in last year's Hardwicke at Royal Ascot – was runner-up in this year's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and bids to go one better this time.

Tomas Janda, racing manager to owner-trainer Vaclav Luka jnr, said: "Of course Group 1s are never easy but we are hopeful for a first Group win as he has placed many times but is yet to win one.

"He is in good form and we think he can win but of course all of the other horses are good. Dame Malliot is the main danger as she could improve again.

"The track in Cologne is not perfect for Nagano Gold but we want to try and race in Germany before going to Baden-Baden in September, which is the main target for us now. Hopefully the ground will not be firm."

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK or Irish race on racingpost.com to watch it live. Click the 'Watch Live' icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race