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9 Oct 2018

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes beckons for prolific Laurens

Laurens returns in triumph after the Sun Chariot Stakes. Picture: Racingfotos.

Star filly Laurens is set to take her chance in the QIPCO-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday week (October 20).

The daughter of Siyouni claimed her fourth Group 1 success of the season, and her fifth top-level victory overall, when landing the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Laurens holds an entry in the QIPCO Champion Stakes on the same day, but Burke is leaning towards keeping her to a mile in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – for which she needs to be supplemented.

“We’re delighted with her. She only lost four kilos on the whole trip and she looks in great shape,” said the North Yorkshire-based trainer on Tuesday.

“She’s got a great constitution, and I think she’s come out of Saturday better than she came out of the Matron. We’re definitely planning to run her again this year. I’ve spoken to John (Dance, owner), and at the moment we’re leaning towards Ascot.

“She’s in the Champion Stakes – but it’s more likely we’ll supplement for the QEII, especially if the ground is on the easy side.”

Although Champions Day has emerged as the likely next port of call for Laurens, Burke is not ruling out the possibility of sending his filly across the Atlantic for next month’s Breeders’ Cup.

He added: “It’s definitely not impossible she could do both. Nothing is set in stone, but we’ll aim for Ascot and take it from there.”