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Prix de Diane winner Laurens to sidestep Curragh Classic in favour of Yorkshire Oaks bid

Trainer Karl Burke to give his Group 1 heroine a break before targets in the Autumn

STAR filly Laurens, who was second in the 1000 Guineas before striking at the highest level in both the Prix Saint-Alary and the Prix de Diane, will be next aimed at the Yorkshire Oaks.

Karl Burke believes a rest is vital for his Classic winner after two tough races in France.

 Laurens was a gritty winner of the Prix de Diane
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Laurens was a gritty winner of the Prix de DianeCredit: EPA

Only if they're top class do fillies win two Group 1 races in a row - but Laurens has proved that is exactly what she is.

A win in the Prix de Diane last time out was achieved in typically gritty fashion and cemented her status as one of the most talented three-year-old fillies in the country.

It's clear Karl Burke's filly is progressing rapidly as that followed a victory in the Prix Saint-Alary - where she only just got the better of what are clearly now markedly inferior rivals.

Those races are likely to have left their mark, though, and the trainer is keen to get a rest into his stable star.

He said: "She has come out the Prix de Diane really well and there have been no issues.

"She will have a nice easy two or three weeks. We are not going to go for the Irish Oaks.

We will miss that and hopefully go for the Yorkshire Oaks.

If we try take in the Irish Oaks as well it will not give her a break before an autumn campaign so it makes sense to do that."

 Karl Burke's filly landed the Group 1 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket last season
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Karl Burke's filly landed the Group 1 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

A tilt at the Blue Riband Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has been suggested for the daughter of Siyouni, and although she'll need to improve again, her trainer hopes the step up in trip will unlock the required progression.

He added: "We certainly hope we will go back to France for the Arc. The Yorkshire Oaks will tell us a lot more when we step up in trip again.

 Laurens finishes just behind Billesdon Brook in the 1000 Guineas
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Laurens finishes just behind Billesdon Brook in the 1000 GuineasCredit: PA:Press Association

"If there is any reason she doesn't stay the mile and a half we have got the Prix de l'Opera to consider. We've also been very kindly given an invite to a very valuable filly and mares race in Japan in November and of course there is also the Breeders' Cup, so there's plenty to think about.

"The main thing is she's healthy and well and as tough as she is, she is good as well. She has lots of ability.


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"Everyone says she keeps having hard races. I think she is only doing what she has to do and I think that is why she keeps backing up in these races. Long may it continue."

Burke also provided an update on another of his Group winners, Havana Grey. The son of Havana Gold was last seen finishing a disappointing sixth behind Battaash in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, and his trainer is hoping that a wind operation will have made the difference.

 Karl Burke's Havana Grey is a top class sprinter
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Karl Burke's Havana Grey is a top class sprinterCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Burke said: "He is fine. He has had a little cauterise operation for his wind. He has taken that really well and he will start cantering next week.

"I'm sure he's still got the ability, but our horses were not quite right when he first ran and I think he just needed a little bit of help with his wind as well.

"Hopefully we will go to Ireland for the Group Two Sapphire Stakes on July 22 and then the King George at Goodwood."

Queen Elizabeth II presents Frankie Dettori winner’s medal for winning Gold Cup at Royal Ascot

 

 

 

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