Can Arc absentee Verry Elleegant bounce back from disappointment in Royallieu?

Saturday: Longchamp

The Qatar Prix de Royallieu () has been about British-trained three-year-olds since it became a Group 1 in 2019, but an older mare from different surroundings is set to be the centre of attention this time.

An 11-time Group 1 winner whose biggest victory came in last year's Melbourne Cup, Verry Elleegant was sent to Europe this term for a crack at Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

However, a dwindling handicap mark in the northern hemisphere meant she was not rated highly enough to make the field for the Paris championship.

Her connections, furious with that outcome, have therefore engaged her a day earlier in the 1m6f Royallieu, most recently won by Loving Dream, Wonderful Tonight and Anapurna.

Francis Graffard, Verry Elleegant's trainer since the spring, has seen her finish last of seven in the Prix Jean Romanet and third in the Prix Foy.

"She's in very good form and she's come on for her last run," he said.

"It's a good entry for her and she will stay the trip. The owner [Jomara Bloodstock Ltd] says the ground shouldn't be an issue and Mark Zahra knows her."

Sea La Rosa: consistent filly won a Group 2 at GoodwoodCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sea La Rosa, whose sire Sea The Stars won a mesmerising Arc in 2009, lines up in opposition and has been brought along beautifully by William Haggas.

A Group 2 winner at Glorious Goodwood, she added another success at that level to her CV at Deauville last time and the Newmarket trainer said: "She’s fine and deserves a crack at a Group 1. She’s won two Group 2s now and we've been very pleased with her. She’s in great form, but I don’t know if she will handle soft ground."

Aidan O'Brien has two runners and said: "Emily Dickinson has been in good form since Doncaster and we thought she ran well in the St Leger. We always thought she would come into her own when there was going to be an ease in the ground and she gets that here. We're not sure about the ground for Perotan but we think the trip won't be a problem to her."

Ottilien, highly thought of and lightly raced, represents Wonderful Tonight's trainer David Menuisier, who said: "She has won her Listed race and is in good form. She stayed a mile and a half well when there was not much cut in the ground, but very soft going here will suit her well, while the forecast rain is also in her favour. I don't know if she will stay the trip but we don't have a lot to lose. She has her black type and is a sister to a Group 1 winner [Morandi] so we'll give it a go."

The trainer also fancies his chances in the card's £252,101 sales race (), which he won three years ago with Into Faith.

"Munch is a good filly," he added. "The filly she beat at Goodwood last time won a Listed race in Germany by four lengths. She is only small but I think she's good. She'll handle soft ground and the mile will suit her. You need a bit of luck but she's well drawn in stall six."

Longchamp also hosts the Group 2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay () on Saturday and Duke De Sessa, a winner on Irish Champions Weekend, appears to have solid claims for Dermot Weld.

"He showed an excellent attitude to win at Leopardstown and has been in very good form since then," the top trainer said. "I think he will represent us very well."

Saturday previews:

2.42 Newmarket: Chapple-Hyam and Weld on Sun Chariot stars Saffron Beach and Homeless Songs

3.00 Ascot: 'It looks winnable' - David Evans drawn to Group 3 for star sprinter Rohaan

3.21 Redcar: 'If Cold Case runs to the form he showed at Doncaster he's the one to beat'

3.25 Longchamp: Aidan O'Brien: 'Kyprios is a good-moving horse, so hopefully it's not too soft'

3.36 Ascot: 'We may be in business' - whose turn is it to land another big Ascot handicap?

4.02 Gowran Park: Track and trip ideal for Easy Game with stablemate Franco posing biggest threat

Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME22 to get 50 per cent off your first three months.

First three payments will be charged at £17.48, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.

Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.