Shawanda To Light Up Longchamp

Connections of Shawanda are brimming with brio ahead of the Prix de l´Arc de Triomphe - and punters should waste no time in jumping on the bandwagon.

Ominously for her rivals, the three-year-old´s effortless display in the Prix Vermeille earlier in the month may only be an hors d´oeuvre for the main course on Sunday week.

Although Shawanda´s official winning distance was three-quarters of a length in the Group One at Longchamp, jockey Christophe Soumillon was cruising throughout the 12-furlong event and had the temerity to ease his partner right down at the line.

Incredibly, she was reported as not being 100% fit on that occasion and one can only imagine what she is capable of when fully wound up.

Alain de Royer-Dupre´s filly has been working hard on the Chantilly gallops to shed the few extra pounds she carried last time out, which should see the Aga Khan´s charge on top of her game come October 2.

And if that is the case, even the well-supported Hurricane Run may find Shawanda too quick and too classy.

Although she will be competing against colts for the first time in her career, girl power is still expected to rule supreme for the first time since the Spice Girls hit our eardrums in the late 90s.

Unraced as a juvenile, Shawanda´s Prix Vermeille triumph was her fifth consecutive win in only six outings - with her only defeat coming on debut in April.

And while that win in Longchamp last time was highly satisfactory, it was her victory in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh that gave British punters a telling pointer to her real potential.

That five-length victory was her first attempt at the top level and she could have doubled that winning margin had Soumillon given her a hard time.

Moreover, she also showed her versatility at the Irish venue as that was the only time Shawanda has competed on good to firm ground.

It is highly unlikely the going will be as fast on Arc day, and even excessive rainfall is not likely to inconvenience Soumillon or his partner.

Hurricane Run is the biggest danger, but he hardly set the world alight when winning the Prix Niel and the general 5-2 is not tempting.

So, with further improvement almost guaranteed, all roads should lead to snapping up the widely-available 3-1 about Shawanda doing the business in the Bois de Boulogne.

? PA Sport