RACING: French filly Vallee Enchantee can put a nightmare start to her campaign behind her by claiming today's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot.
The Elie Lellouche-trained four-year-old has yet to get a win on the board this season but must be counted an unlucky loser on both starts so far.
Vallee Enchantee rounded off a good season last year by taking the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in fine style and she looked to have all before her this campaign.
However, she was only fourth in the Prix Ganay on her reappearance after encountering serious traffic problems, and it happened again when she was sent over for the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
Jockey Dominique Boeuf found himself in a tight spot coming up the straight and had to weave his way out of the pack to make a challenge, but Warrsan had flown by the time she was extricated. Vallee Enchantee did well to get within two lengths of the winner and she was only a short head behind today's favourite, Doyen.
There is every reason to suppose she could reverse the form under new pilot Olivier Peslier.
Soar should appreciate the step up to six furlongs in the Group Three Princess Margaret Stakes. Grizedale can step up on a promising seasonal bow in the International Stakes.
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