By Adam Morgan, PA
After leaving a big-money offer on the table, Basher Watts is a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of Shes Perfect’s quest for Prix de Diane glory at Chantilly on Sunday.
Owned by the social media influencer’s burgeoning racing club, the Charlie Fellowes-trained filly showed her star quality when first past the post in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, with Watts revealing her owners had no hesitation in turning down a $2.5million offer from Japan to head back to France in search of Classic compensation.
“I’m nervous, but there’s also a lot of excitement there,” said Watts.
“We had a big offer for her last week but we put it to all her 38 owners and 37 instantly said no. You get into horse racing with a dream of owning a horse like her and sometimes some things are worth more than money.
“That 15 minutes when we thought we had won the race at Longchamp is worth more money than anyone would be willing to pay and I just couldn’t ever enjoy watching her in someone else’s silks. There are so many big races to come and we want to be the ones enjoying that journey with her.
“I went in to see her do her last piece of work last week and I’ve been in to see her again today and it all still doesn’t feel real that we own the favourite for the Prix de Diane.”
After losing the French 1000 Guineas in the stewards’ room and then also failing with their subsequent attempt to appeal the decision, the Shes Perfect team were left to contemplate a Royal Ascot rematch in the Coronation Stakes with ParisLongchamp rival Zarigana or stepping up in distance for another tilt at a Classic and also redemption in France.
However, with her handler keen to explore options up in trip and a tantalising ticket to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe waiting to be stamped for later in the season, it was decided Shes Perfect could be aptly named for the challenge of the French Oaks, with connections buoyant after being handed stall seven at Chantilly.
“We definitely spoke in depth about where to go and there were a few different factors why we decided to go back to France,” explained Watts.
“One of them is we need to know whether she stays and this will only be the fifth run of her career, so let’s find out sooner or later if she does. She has an Arc entry and it’s unbelievable to think she could even be running in a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
“This is the perfect step up for her without stretching her too far and we do think French racing suits her style of racing.”
He went on: “There is also the competitor in me who thinks how sweet would it be to go back to France and win the second Classic for fillies and this time keep it. This is our last ever shot at a Classic with her, so why not roll the dice and see.
“Last time out wasn’t the ending we wanted, but even going out to France with all her owners is an amazing experience and amazing trip and we’ll go back there and hope we can ‘win’ again.”
“We were happy with the draw in seven and I thought it would be typical if we got 12 of 12, but we’ll happily take seven. Let’s hope it’s the French paying us back a little bit and we’ll keep everything crossed.”
