by Mike Curry

It may only be June, but a brilliant performance in the Prix de Diane (Fr-G1) (French Oaks) by an unbeaten filly has placed Jean-Claude Rouget in strong position for a run at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) and his first trainer’s title.

Stacelita delivered a dazzling performance in the French Oaks on Sunday at Chantilly to improve to five clear victories in as many starts. The Monsun filly had never been challenged entering the 2,100-meter (10.44-furlong) classic, and the race was all but over when Stacelita took charge with 600 meters remaining. She cruised to dominant four-length romp and cemented her status as a leading contender for the Arc in October at Longchamp.

"I would think that Stacelita will go for the Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1) and then the Arc—that would be a good program for her," Rouget told England’s Press Association. Stacelita subsequently was slashed from 16-to-1 for the Arc to 7-to-1 by bookmakers William Hill and Coral.

Out of Group 3-placed stakes winner Soignee (Ger), by Dashing Blade, Stacelita has won her five career starts by a combined margin of 20 lengths. She completed the 2,100-meter French Oaks in 2:06.23 on turf rated as good to soft.

Prix de la Grotte (Fr-G3) winner Tamazirte completed a one-two finish for Rouget, who has amassed 11 group stakes wins this season, including classic wins by Le Havre in the Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-G1) (French Derby) and Elusive Wave in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Fr-G1) (French One Thousand Guineas).

"This is enormous for me. If you had asked me in February, I would have said this could never happen,” Rouget told England’s Press Association.

“I am never good before a race. I was worried about the [firmer] ground for Stacelita and worried about the trip for Tamazirte, but Stacelita has gone on the ground and the other filly has stayed the distance so it has worked out well.”

Tamazirte finished a half-length in front of Plumania. George Strawbridge Jr.’s highly regarded English Group 3 winner Fantasia, third in the French Guineas, finished seventh in the 12-horse field.

Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor