Falmouth Stakes Next For Laurens

The Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket back against her own sex beckons for Queen Anne disappointment Laurens.

A five-time Group One winner against fellow fillies and mares, trainer Karl Burke and her connections gave her another chance to prevail against the boys at Royal Ascot last month, in an attempt to correct an unwanted record.

Seven out of ten starts in races restricted to the girls have corresponded with victories, but she made it nought from three under all cylinders when finishing a below-par sixth behind Lord Glitters in the royal fixture opener on the Tuesday.

A previous classic winner, she began the season with a strong second in the Lockinge at Newbury behind Mustashry, but failed in her second venture to Ascot in her last three starts - also finishing eight of thirteen in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in October behind Roaring Lion.

Her owner John Dance - who is good form at the minute with some of his other stable-stars, is hoping his number one pride and joy can transfer her best form from the Rowley Mile to the July course at HQ, ahead of the start of the July Cup meeting.

(Credit: Racing Post) Dance said: "PJ McDonald is coming in later in the week to do a bit of work with Laurens and it's all systems go for the Falmouth.

"It will be her first time on the July course but we have happy memories of Newmarket as she has won two Group 1s and finished second in the Guineas on the Rowley Mile.

Dance was left a little let down after Laurens faded out of contention in the closing stages of the Group One mile contest in Berkshire, but does believe she should have conditions swinging back in her favour on Friday week.

He continued: "I was a bit disappointed as she looked like she was travelling all over them, only to weaken fairly meekly in the last furlong and a half.

"It might be Ascot just doesn't suit her and her prominent style of racing. She's a big, long-striding filly and it's possible those last two furlongs don't bring out the best in her.

"She's not run a bad race and I could never be disappointed with her after what she's achieved.

"It's probably the first time we've been a bit more selfish about things but going to Royal Ascot with a chance like that was a once in a lifetime opportunity."