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Bluestocking booked a ticket to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a battling victory in the twelve furlong Group 1 Prix Vermeille at Longchamp on Sunday.
The Ralph Beckett-trained filly had promised to deliver at the top level throughout her three year old season, but it took until the ten furlong Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in June before she broke through in a Group 1. Since then, Bluestocking has continued to deliver at the highest level, finishing second in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
The daughter of Camelot had to work hard for her Longchamp success, hitting the front with three furlongs to run and holding off the late charge of Aventure, who doggedly pestered the eventual winner throughout the final two furlongs. Bluestocking finished half-a-length ahead at the line with Emily Upjohn a further half-length back in third.
In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Beckett said: "I thought she was beaten, she looked beat didn't she, but she's just really tough.
"She worked really well last weekend, but I wasn't convinced that coming was the right decision. There were a couple of things in the week that I wasn't just (happy with), not with the race or the circumstances, more with her, but she really loves it and that showed today.
"She's in the fillies' and mares' race on Champions Day. We got beaten there last year because it was on the inner track and she didn't get going in time. For that reason, if she is well and connections are happy, I'd be keen to supplement in three weeks' time to come back for the Arc.
"She won the Middleton the day after the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe closed and at the time she wasn't even a Listed winner, so that's why she isn't entered.
"But I think today really suited her and when they're enjoying racing as much as she is, it makes sense to carry on, so I'd be keen (on the Arc) if everybody else is keen.
"I sincerely hope the ground isn't as fast as it was last year for the Arc and if it isn't, hopefully she'll be right in it."
Paddy Power reacted to the win by shortening Bluestocking from 16/1 to 8/1 for the autumn feature, held on the first weekend of October at Longchamp.
