Royal Ascot 2016: Qemah can ground Jet Setting in Coronation Stakes

David Metcalf | June 16, 2016

Qemah can ground prevent a Jet Setting Coronation

French raider Qemah looks value to get the better of favourite Jet Setting in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes on a cracking fourth day card at Royal Ascot (16:20).

The Jean Claude Rouget trained filly had some smart form to her name in three runs as a juvenile, easily landing a conditions contest by three lengths and Longchamp before running a blinder to finish third to Ballydoyle in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at the same venue.

Qemah looked an unlucky loser in the latter as she was held-up and constantly denied a clear run until being angled out and flying home to be gaining all the way to the line and beaten just 1 1/2 lengths.

It was a performance which suggested the daughter of Danehill Dancer had a huge engine, and would have even more to offer as a three-year-old.

That view was confirmed when Qemah made a winning return to action in a Group 3 at Chantilly, coming from off the pace before quickening smartly to put the race to be and score easily by 2 1/2 lengths.

Excuses for Deauville defeat

Although then only third in last month’s Group 1 Prix Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Deauville when sent off favourite, Qemah raced far too keenly in the early stages and stumbled badly six furlongs from home.

In the circumstances she did well to be beaten just 1 1/4 lengths, and Qemah was not unduly knocked about.

She may well turn the tables on Nathra who finsihed a head in front of her in second, and Qemah remains open to further progress and is versatile as regards ground.