The connections of Verry Elleegant are looking forward to getting the mare over more ground after a disappointing first-up run in France overnight.
The 11-time Group One winner was having her first start for trainer Francis Graffard in the green colours of part-owners Jomara Bloodstock in the Gr.1 Prix Jean Romanet (2000m) and uncharacteristically put in a subpar run to tail the field home after racing at the rear throughout in a sedately run contest.
“I think it’s fair to say that we are all a bit deflated. It has been months in the build-up making sure the logistics were right and she had acclimatised, and had the right programme,” part-owner Brae Sokolski told RSN.
“We felt like everything was on song for her to perform well.
“While I do feel like there are excuses, there is no denying the fact that she has run last and she was not the Verry Elleegant we have come to expect.”
While naturally disappointed with the run of the New Zealand-bred seven-year-old, her ownership group are putting a line through that run and are looking to press on to the Gr.1 Prix Vermeille (2400m) at Longchamp on September 11.
“It’s not a fact of throwing the baby out with the bath water, we do feel like there were enough excuses to justify giving her another opportunity to step up in distance,” Sokolski said.
“The Prix Vermeille in three weeks is going to be D-Day and we will be wanting to see a more characteristic performance from her.”
