Bluestocking, trained by Ralph Beckett, is being considered for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after a courageous victory at the Prix Vermeille. Initially doubted, Bluestocking overcame challenges to secure a significant win, highlighting her promising form in 2024, including successes in the Middleton Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes. Beckett's confidence in the filly suggests potential entry into the Arc, aimed at capitalizing on her current momentum.
Trainer Ralph Beckett considers Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for next race
Bluestocking's 2024 season highlighted by wins in Middleton Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes
Rossa Ryan riding Bluestocking (pink cap) win The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes at York. (Getty)
Bluestocking could be supplemented for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, according to trainer Ralph Beckett.
Beckett was at Longchamp on Sunday to watch Bluestocking run in the Prix Vermeille. Rossa Ryan took the favourite to the front with three furlongs to travel and, although she was passed as one stage by three-year-old Aventure, Beckett's raider battled back bravely to claim a narrow victory.
"I thought she was beat", Beckett said in the aftermath of Bluestocking's victory. "She looked beat didn't she? She's just really tough."
"She worked really well last weekend, but I still wasn't convinced that coming was the right decision. Not with the race or with the circumstances, more with her, but she just loves it, she really loves it, and that showed today."
Having shown plenty of promise as a three-year-old, 2024 has been a coming-of-age year for Bluestocking.
Beckett's filly romped to victory in the Middleton Stakes on her reappearance, before claiming her first Group One win in the Pretty Polly Stakes. Placed efforts against the boys in the King George and Juddmonte International followed, and Bluestocking proved too strong for her fellow females in Sunday's feature at Longchamp.
Westover (second left) finishing second to Ace Impact in the 2023 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. (Getty)
Ralph Beckett was then asked where his stable star would be running next, with many expecting him to say Champions Day at Ascot. However, it seems that the 53-year-old has his eyes on an even bigger prize.
"She's in the Fillies & Mares on Champions Day." Beckett continued. "We got beat there last year because it was on the inner track and she didn't get going in time."
"For that reason, and if she was well and the owners are all happy, I'd be keen to supplement in three week's time and come back for the Arc. I'm keen if everybody else is."
"She won the Middleton Stakes on the day that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe entries closed. At the time she wasn't even a Listed winner. I think today really suited her. When they're enjoying racing, as she is, it makes sense to carry on."
"She appears not to (have any ground preferrences). She wouldn't want it to be really fast. I sincerely hope that it's not as fast as it was last year for the Arc, and if it isn't she should be right in it."
Following her victory in the Prix Vermeille, Bluestocking is a general 10/1 shot to win the Arc - a race in which her former stablemate, Westover finished second 12 months ago.
