Qatar Prix Vermeille 2011

3.15 Longchamp

Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (3yo+) Winner £172,405

Advice: 2 pts Galikova (10/11 Paddy Power)

Sarah Lynx: Back to same sort of form which saw her come close-up fifth at 50-1 in this last year when winning ordinary Group 2 over this trip at Deauville latest; others more progressive.

Shareta: Was only having her second run when bumping into Galikova on seasonal debut, and has since improved quite a deal, gaining easy win last time; Trip promises to suit and can go well.

Testosterone: Has been a different filly for being ridden prominently, following up Group 3 romp with tenacious success in Prix Du Malleret, although given ,massive amount of rope; Should same happen again then hard to catch.

Wavering: Looked for all the world as if this trip would suit when winning Saint – Alary but not proofed that form again since when only sixth in French Oaks and Group 2 latest; More needed.

Wonder Of Wonders: Regally bred and built on deep impression created only start at 2 when cruising home in Tipperary maiden (got no run only start in-between) and a most taking winner of Cheshire Oaks when given lot of ground to make up; Has probably franked that form when second in Oaks and third in Irish/Yorkshire Equivalent but beaten fair and square on both occasions and others make more appeal here.

Galikova: Abundance of promise at 2 when once winner and fifth in Marcel Boussac (too inexperienced) & has delivered on that so far as 3yo, winning conditions contest with plenty to spare over Shareta (gave 3lbs) at Saint Cloud and devastatingly impressive when landing Prix Cleopatre with authority; Got going too late in Prix De Diane behind Golden Lilac and reversed that in convincing fashion at Deauville last time; Crying out for stop up in trip and will be hard to beat even if using this as a prep.

VERDICT: Testosterone and Shareta will be dangerous but both might be relying on an easy lead and the improvement expected from GALIKOVA for the step up to this trip can offset the fact that she, like all others in this race, is using it as a trial for the Arc.