Breeders' Cup: The Fugue in 'tremendous shape'

The Irish Champion Stakes winner was accompanied on the grass by big-race pilot William Buick, and was watched by Gosden, part-owner Lady Lloyd Webber and racing manager Simon Marsh.

An unlucky-in-running third in the Filly & Mare Turf event last year, connections have this time elected to take on her male counterparts over a longer trip, and she travelled to America having skipped the Arc and Champions Day due to rain-softened conditions.

Trainer John Gosden said: "She seems fine and had a nice lob around the turf track. She moved very smoothly and certainly knew her way around the place.

"I admit we are taking a bold step going for the Turf but we thought 'be bold and aim for it'. Everyone involved lent towards the Turf and we are here after preparations for the Arc and Champion Stakes didn't work out, owing to the inclement weather."

"It's a good, strong field and I have a lot of respect for Point Of Entry, who is a fine big horse, but our filly is in tremendous shape and we thought 'let's go for the big one'.

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