3 minute read

Prix Vermeille second Melo Melo will be targeted at the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, rather than take up her entry in the Prix de Royallieu over Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

The four-year-old boasts some useful form this campaign, including a victory in the Group 2 Prix de Pomone over twelve-and-a-half furlongs at Deauville in August. She made up late ground in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille on 'Arc Trials Day' at Longchamp and nearly denied Warm Heart, finishing a head back in second to the Aidan O'Brien trained three-year-old, who had the benefit of a weight allowance. 

"She came out of her race well, everything is fine with her," said trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

"She's improved, this filly has never stopped improving and she showed that.

"She is entered on Arc weekend, but we will probably focus on and go directly for the Fillies & Mares at Ascot.

"She has beaten some nice horses and she is better on softer ground, as you can see, which she will hopefully get at Ascot."

Melo Melo could face old rival Warm Heart in the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on 21 October. She is available at 12/1 for the 1m4f event.