Ouija Board Heading For Champion

Ouija Board will head to the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket after connections opted to bypass the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp.

The five-year-old could clash with Derby winner Sir Percy among others at Headquarters after the prospect of easy ground in France prompted connections to rethink their plans.

'Looking at the ground, we decided not to go France. We are going to aim for the Champion Stakes instead, as long as the ground is suitable,' trainer Ed Dunlop explained.

Ouija Board was last in action when finishing a narrow second to Dylan Thomas in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown earlier in the month.

The daughter of Cape Cross was bidding for a seventh Group One win that day and was having her eighth start outside of Britain, a factor Dunlop also took into consideration.

'The ground in France is currently good to soft but more rain is forecast and the ground is important for her,' he said.

'She's been abroad a number of times now so we thought we would just give this one a miss and look at the Champion for her, as long as the ground is right.

'We would then look to go straight to the Breeders' Cup.'

In the absence of Ouija Board, a maximum of six fillies will go to post in the Group One event.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's impressive Prix Vermeille winner Mandesha is set for a fascinating clash with Aidan O'Brien's dual Classic winner Alexandrova.

The Sadler's Wells filly, who has won three successive Group Ones, will be stepping back in trip to 10 furlongs for the first time since her defeat by Short Skirt in the Musidora Stakes in May.

Italian Oaks winner Dionisia is set to have her first start for Luca Cumani, while John Gosden's Nannina will tackle 10 furlongs for only the second time.

Ex-South African runner Irridescence will represent John Hammond, with Prix Jean Romanet winner Satwa Queen completing the field.

(C) PA Sport