Divine aiming for Classic double

Divine Proportions will face nine rivals as she bids to extend her unbeaten record to eight in the Prix de Diane Hermes (French Oaks) at Chantilly on Sunday.

The brilliant daughter of Kingmambo made it a magnificent seven when running away with the French 1000 Guineas on her latest start.

Now the Pascal Bary-trained filly, owned by the Niarchos family, will be stepping up to a mile and quarter for the first time as she attempts a Classic double.

Not surprisingly she is a hot favourite at 4-6 with Irish bookmakers Paddy Power and delighted connections in a work-out earlier this week.

“She is in very good form and pleased Pascal very much,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos family.

The Jonathan Pease-trained Sapas has been nominated as her pacemaker leaving Sabia, in the same ownership, as the only withdrawal at today’s final declaration stage.

The race is expected to develop into a dual between Divine Proportions and the Aga Khan-owned filly Vadawina.

Andre Fabre’s charge is unbeaten in three races after taking the Group One Prix Saint-Alary by four lengths last time.

Prix de Diane, Paddy Power bet: 4-6 Divine Proportions, 7-4 Vadawina, 12-1 Argentina, 14-1 Satwa Queen, 16-1 Perfect Hedge, 25-1 Paita, 50-1 New Saga, Green Girl, 100-1 Alharmina, 150-1 Sapas.