sport

Spirit on family revenge mission

David Elsworth is hoping Swiss Spirit can restore family pride when she lines-up for the Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye on Sunday.

The three-year-old's half-sister Swiss Diva was sent off 11-4 joint-favourite for the five-furlong Group One in 2010 but finished down the field behind Gilt Edge Girl.

Swiss Spirit takes his chance on the back of a narrow victory over Kingsgate Native in a Group Three contest at Newbury last month.

Elsworth has sound reasons to believe the son of Invincible Spirit can do himself justice in Paris.

"It's a race that tends to throw up a few surprises, so we'll see what happens," said the trainer.

"Our horse is a nice, progressive horse and I don't think he's finished improving yet.

"He goes there off the back of a sound run at Newbury and he's in good form, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility he could win.

"The family cope well with softer ground and he's a big, powerful horse, so hopefully he'll handle it all right.

"He's drawn three and I think the draw is very relevant in this race. His sister was favourite a couple of years ago having won her last three, including over the course and distance.

"But she was drawn badly, got a bit of a bump during the race and was disappointing.

"Her kid brother is going over to try to set the record straight!"