Bluestocking put herself in contention for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a tenacious performance in the Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp.
Ralph Beckett’s talented filly began her season with a standout victory in the Middleton Stakes at York, followed by a top-level win in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland. Although she had to settle for minor placings in her subsequent two outings—finishing second behind Goliath in the King George and fourth to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International—she returned to winning ways with a resolute effort in this race against her own sex.
Ridden by Rossa Ryan, the 9-4 favourite tracked the pacesetter Halfday for most of the mile-and-a-half contest before taking charge early in the home straight. Despite being briefly overtaken by Aventure inside the final furlong, Bluestocking fought back bravely to secure her second top-level victory.
John and Thady Gosden’s Emily Upjohn ran well to finish third, with the front trio finishing clear of Hughie Morrison’s Stay Alert in fourth and Aidan O’Brien’s Opera Singer in a slightly disappointing fifth.
Beckett commented to Sky Sports Racing, "I thought she was beaten; she did look beaten at one point, but she’s incredibly tough. She worked really well last weekend, although I had some reservations about her condition leading up to the race. But she clearly loves it here, and that showed today."
Following the race, Paddy Power reduced Bluestocking’s odds for the Arc to 8-1 from 16-1, and Beckett confirmed that the Arc is likely her next target.
"She’s also entered in the fillies’ and mares’ race on Champions Day. We didn’t fare well there last year due to the track conditions, so if she’s in good form and everyone is agreeable, we’d be keen to supplement for the Arc in three weeks," Beckett said.
"She won the Middleton the day after the Arc entries closed, and at that time she wasn’t even a Listed winner, which is why she wasn’t entered. But today’s performance suited her well, and if she continues to enjoy racing, the Arc seems a logical next step."
"I hope the ground will be kinder than it was last year. If conditions are favourable, she should be very competitive."
Aidan O’Brien, who was at the Curragh, commented on Opera Singer: "I only saw part of the race, but she seemed further back than expected, possibly due to a slow start. I haven’t spoken to Christophe (Soumillon) yet, and the ground might not have been ideal for her."
John Gosden was pleased with Emily Upjohn’s performance, noting, "The ground was a bit sticky today, which isn’t her preference. However, she ran as we hoped. If the conditions deteriorate, we’d likely target the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in the U.S., where she’ll find the fast ground she prefers."