'We haven't seen the real Verry Elleegant' - Graffard hoping for Ascot revival

Francis Graffard might feel he is due a change of luck after recent events but his chief hope for Verry Elleegant's challenge in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.40) at Ascot on Saturday is that she can show European audiences her true colours.

Graffard was forced to run Verry Elleegant in the sex-restricted Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp at the beginning of October after it became clear she did not have a sufficient rating to make the final cut for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 24 hours later.

Verry Elleegant got lit up under Mark Zahra on the inside of runners and pulled too hard, before finding her way barred by a wall of horses in the straight, finishing seventh.

But Graffard is convinced from what he has seen in the mornings that the 11-time Group 1 winner in Australia can be competitive if granted the rub of the green.

"She had a rotten trip the other day in the Prix de Royallieu and it was frustrating because she is a mare with real quality and we haven't yet seen the real Verry Elleegant in Europe," said Graffard.

"I hope she will have no excuses on Saturday and that we can really measure her against the best fillies and mares."

As when third in the Prix Foy on Arc Trials day, Verry Elleegant looked a little uncomfortable on the descent into the false straight at Longchamp and connections hope everything about this weekend's race will play out better than in her three starts since joining Graffard from Chris Waller in June.

"The undulations at Longchamp weren't ideal for her and I think Ascot will suit her better," said Graffard, who has booked Mickael Barzalona to ride. "She is a mare who needs to feel comfortable and more than anything a smooth run in a race with a decent rhythm."

Sweet Lady: the Prix Vermeille heroine will have a rematch with runner-up Lilac RoadCredit: Zuzanna Lupa

Graffard will be doubly represented in the £500,000 Group 1, with Prix Vermeille heroine Sweet Lady facing a rematch with runner-up Lilac Road.

"I always wanted to bring her to Ascot after her win in the Vermeille, with the idea of her still being fresh and ready for Saturday," said Graffard, who could then send the daughter of Lope De Vega to Tokyo for her career finale before she goes through the ring at Arqana in December.

Graffard said: "She is in super form and I'm really looking forward to running her and if the ground turns soft, she won't mind. Japan is still on the cards but for now we're concentrating on Saturday."

The Revenant will also make a fourth straight appearance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.20), with Ryan Moore booked to ride and an impressive record of second, first and fourth in his previous tries.

"He has been very good this year and ran a super race on ground that was too fast for him on his comeback in the Prix du Moulin," said Graffard. "He was then beaten by a good horse in Erevann when he certainly still needed the run, so I'm looking forward to Saturday with him as well."

Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.40 Ascot, Saturday)

Paddy Power: 3 Emily Upjohn, 5 Eternal Pearl, 6 Eshaada, 7 Mimikyu, Sweet Lady, 8 Sea La Rosa, 10 Stay Alert, 12 Rosscarbery, 20 Emily Dickinson, Verry Elleegant, Lilac Road, 25 bar

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