Diva ready to lord it at Longchamp

David Elsworth’s Swiss Diva is firmly on target for Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp following her ready victory at the track on Sunday.

The Lordship Stud-owned filly has been campaigned exclusively in France for her last three starts and it has proved to be a shrewd tactic as she has been victorious on each occasion.

She was an impressive winner of the Prix Du Petit Couvert over the weekend and owner Trevor Harris, whose stud has bred two Classic winners in Oaks winner Love Divine and St Leger hero Sixties Icon, is looking forward to a return to Paris on October 3.

“She came out of the race fine and it was a good performance,” said Harris. “I’m not sure about the standard of the opposition, but she couldn’t have done it any easier and she just loves the soft ground.

“She’s going for the Prix de l’Abbaye next providing the ground is on the soft side of good and I don’t think there’s much else for her.

“I think she deserves to take her chance and Ioritz (Mendizabal) will ride her again – he’s got a real love affair going with her.”