Ed Walker 'expecting a much better performance' from Qilin Queen as she takes on unbeaten Juddmonte filly on Longchamp undercard

Ed Walker is hoping Qilin Queen can put a no-show in the Betfred Oaks behind her in the Group 2 Cygames Prix de Malleret at Longchamp (6.50), in which she will face the highly regarded Sunly for Juddmonte and Francis Graffard. 

Walker said: "She disappointed at Epsom on soft ground but she was beaten too far out for it to be a true reflection. She didn't like the ground or the track, so I'm expecting a much better performance. 

"There's still a question mark as to whether she stays a mile and a half so we'll see. She's been freshened up since the Oaks, the quick ground is what she wants, so hopefully she can bounce back." 

Sunly took her tally to three wins from as many starts in the Group 3 Prix de Royaumont on Jockey Club day and Francis Graffard could have some exciting targets to mull over if Juddmonte's homebred Night Of Thunder filly can continue her progress here under Colin Keane. 

Sunly was an extremely impressive winner of the Prix de RoyaumontCredit: Racing Post/Burton

Racing manager Barry Mahon said: "We looked at all the options and while we would have liked to go to the Ribblesdale, it was quite a tight turnaround and we just felt that in the best interests of the filly, that wasn’t the best thing for her. 

"We also looked at the Irish Oaks as well but with the travel and the need to be supplemented, we felt there’s a lot of very nice races from now to the end of the season, so we’ll go slowly." 

Mahon added: "She’s only run three times, she’s very progressive and Francis is very happy with her. This next step is a Group 2 and if she takes that then there’s opportunities further along, be it something like the Yorkshire Oaks or the Prix Vermeille."

It's a big evening for Christophe Ferland and his principal patrons, Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, with Uther bidding to repeat the Grand Prix de Paris success of his half-brother Sosie towards the end of the card.

They field Double Major in the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil (6.10), who is likely to be a warm order with local backers to return to form after fading into fifth in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier here in May. 

Yashin and Callum Shepherd land the Sagaro Stakes at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Also on a slight recovery mission is the Michael Bell-trained Yashin, who failed to see out the extreme test of the Gold Cup at Ascot and will be the mount of Christophe Soumillon for this 1m6f mission. 

"The Gold Cup was a non-event when he clearly didn't stay, and Callum [Shepherd] looked after him over the last half mile," said Bell. "The drop back in trip will suit, he's travelled over well and we have an excellent jockey booked, so we're hopeful. 

"The good ground will suit and he won the Sagaro well at Ascot on his previous start. He cantered on the track Saturday morning, so we're very happy with his well-being."

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