Touleen to miss Falmouth in favour of Ascot outing

Touleen will sidestep the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on Friday in favour of an easier assignment at Ascot later in the month.

The Shadwell-owned filly has performed admirably on each of her three starts so far this season, finishing second in the Fred Darling at Newbury and sixth in the 1000 Guineas before splitting Aidan O’Brien’s top-class pair of Precise and True Love when filling the runner-up spot in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She had been well fancied for Friday’s Group One, but trainer Owen Burrows has revealed Touleen will not take up her engagement.

“She doesn’t run on Friday and she might go to Ascot on King George day (July 25) for the Valiant Stakes,” he told the Press Association.

“We’re quite mindful that she’s been placed in a Fred Darling, ran well in the Guineas and finished second in a Group One, but she’s still not won yet this year.

“There’s a bit of time to go back into Group Ones and waiting for the Valiant gives us a bit longer after Royal Ascot. That race is also on the old (round) mile, which we know suits her well.

“Fingers crossed we’ll see if we can make her a Group-race winner.”