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Snowfall out to return to winning ways on British Champions Day after back-to-back defeats in France

Snowfall was a hugely impressive winner of the Epsom Oaks before backing that up with Irish Oaks victory at The Curragh; Aidan O'Brien's three-year-old has since been beaten twice in France, finishing sixth in the Arc earlier this month

Snowfall ridden by Ryan Moore on the way to winning the Juddmonte Irish Oaks
Image: Snowfall ridden by Ryan Moore on the way to winning the Juddmonte Irish Oaks

The Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes looks to offer dual Oaks winner Snowfall a fine opportunity to return to winning ways.

Love's defection from the mile-and-a-half contest prompted a change of plan from Ballydoyle, while La Petite Coco, who beat Love at the Curragh, is another who will not be in action.

So brilliant in the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, Snowfall has since suffered defeats in the Prix Vermeille and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, finishing sixth in the latter. She does, however, set a stiff standard if running up to her brilliant best.

Snowfall and Ryan Moore coming home to win the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York
Image: Snowfall and Ryan Moore coming home to win the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York

O'Brien said: "Snowfall ran well in the Arc. The ground was very soft and there wasn't much pace. We took our time on her, but we probably expected there to be more pace in the race."

Snowfall is joined by La Joconde, a daughter of Frankel who ran her best race of the season two starts ago when third in the Vermeille.

"She was just beaten in the Vermeille and was a bit disappointing the last day over a mile and a quarter," said O'Brien of Hollie Doyle's mount.

Ascot Champions Day live on Sky Sports
Ascot Champions Day live on Sky Sports

Watch British Champions Day at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday, October 16 from 12.30pm

"She obviously prefers a mile and a half on good ground and has been in good form since."

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Albaflora got closest to Snowfall at York, running a fine race to be beaten by four lengths.

Suited by cut in the ground, the Ralph Beckett-trained four-year-old has not run since that effort on the Knavesmire in August.

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Beckett said: "She put in a terrific effort to finish second behind Snowfall in the Yorkshire Oaks.

"She has run well at Ascot in the past, which is a positive. She is in really good shape so I am hopeful of a good show."

Ben Curtis riding Mystery Ange
Image: Ben Curtis riding Mystery Angel

La Petite Coco's connections are still represented, by the Andrew Balding-trained Invite.

A Listed winner at Chester last month, the Team Valor-owned three-year-old is another well suited by easier underfoot conditions.

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Balding said of the ex Marco Botti runner: "She's not exactly an extravagant worker, but I liked what I saw when she won at Chester on her only start for us.

"That was nice to see and she's obviously a filly with plenty of ability."

Eshaada, who was narrowly beaten in the Ribblesdale Stakes at the Royal meeting, takes her chance for Roger Varian, with Oaks runner-up Mystery Angel in action for George Boughey.

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