Mrs Danvers to try six furlongs before Commonwealth tilt

Jonathan Portman's unbeaten filly Mrs Danvers is set to tackle six furlongs for the first time in France next month, before a possible Commonwealth Cup tilt at Royal Ascot.

Portman cited a lack of opportunities for three-year-old fillies over five furlongs in Britain as the reason why he had chosen the Group 3 Prix Sigy at Chantilly for the winner of the Cornwallis Stakes.

Portman said: "We need to give her a trial over six furlongs to see where we belong this year, with the Commonwealth Cup the potential aim. She has an entry in the Group 3 in Chantilly on April 9. Quiet Reflection won the race last year en route to the Commonwealth Cup, and she won the Cornwallis, so we're copying her.

"She didn't go for a long winter break and came to hand quickly, and the first opportunity in England wouldn't have been until May 3.

"I'd be very happy if she raced over five furlongs for the rest of her life because we know where we are over five. But if we did she might not get out very often this year because of how few races there are for her."

Mrs Danvers is a top-priced 20-1 for her Ascot target but Portman said: "Before we get excited about the Commonwealth Cup we need to see if she's trained on and if she'll be as effective over six furlongs. It's more likely than not she'll cope - but it's whether she'll be as effective."