"She's a very good filly" - exciting Mehmas filly Braida lands Listed success

Following a luckless run in the Group 3 Prix de Lieurey, the rapidly progressive Mehmas filly Braida was able to show her true colours on Thursday with an impressive success in the Listed Prix de la Cochere at ParisLongchamp.

The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly, who carries the colours of Alain Jathiere and her breeder Khalifa Mohammed Al Attiyah, won easily by just over a length from Ceramic to become the 11th stakes winner so far this year for Mehmas - only last Sunday, he was represented by the Group 3 Prix Quincey winner Diego Ventura.

Now the winner of three of five races, Braida is on course to take the leap into higher company.

"Braida showed a great turn of foot," said Francis-Henri Graffard. "Last time out, she got a bit boxed in, which was frustrating because it felt like she hadn't really been able to show her true ability. This time, Pierre-Charles gave her a perfect ride, and she was able to demonstrate what she’s capable of.

"She has a fantastic attitude. She isn’t very big, but she is well-conformed, with plenty of presence and a real desire to get the job done. Both physically and in terms of temperament, she is a classic example of a Mehmas offspring, which bodes very well for the future.

"She holds an entry for the Prix de la Forêt, but I don’t think we’ll aim for that race. In my view, she’s still a bit too immature to tackle that level right now. I’m more inclined to look at the United States to see if there’s an opportunity that would suit her well. I also expect her to stay in training next year. We’re under no pressure with her; she’s still quite raw, and I believe she can continue to strengthen, both physically and mentally."

Jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot added: "She’s a very good filly. She has plenty of natural speed. Fortunately, the owners and the trainer put their trust in me again, given that things hadn't gone well last time out.

"I got a feel for the race after the first 100 meters and rode her on instinct. There was a decent pace, and the race opened up early. I managed to weave through, and the filly is very responsive; she loves to bide her time and then unleash a burst of speed. That’s exactly what she did."

Braida is the first foal out of the Listed-placed No Nay Never mare Complication, a half-sister to Group 3 winner Ouraika and the Listed-placed Simplicity, herself dam of the Listed-winning Tally-Ho graduate Drago Blues.

Braida becomes the 57th stakes winner for Mehmas.