ALSACE Lorraine ran an excellent race in defeat at the Royal meeting and can gain compensation back at Ascot today.

James Fanshawe has lowered her sights in tackling the Woodcote Stud EBF Valiant Stakes after her fourth in the Group Two Windsor Forest Stakes.

The five-year-old was beaten just under four lengths by Strawberrydaiquiri that day and while the winner slightly let the form down in the Falmouth, runner-up and stablemate Spacious did herself proud in claiming second again.

Alsace Lorraine never really had a chance to show her best in the Windsor Forest as she was settled off the pace in a race where it can often pay to be prominent throughout.

Previously a handicap winner in Berkshire and also placed in Listed company at the Queen’s track, the daughter of Giant’s Causeway obviously sparkles at the venue.

Sodashy is an interesting contender in the opening John Guest Maiden Fillies’ Stakes after finishing fifth behind Princess Margaret-bound Catfish on her racecourse bow.

Gay Kelleway has made no secret of the regard in which she holds the July course winner and while Sodashy was beaten just over four lengths by that rival, she could be a touch better than the figures suggest after missing the break that day.

Desert Recluse is worth another chance at two miles in the John Guest Brown Jack Stakes.

Recent rain in Yorkshire has played right into her hands as she is a mare who really does excel when she can get her toe in a bit.

Quick ground found her out in the Lancashire Oaks last time as she could finish only fourth but her previous Listed win at Haydock gives her every chance.

Comptonspirit can complete her hat-trick in the Welcome To Yorkshire Hole In One Fillies’ Handicap at Thirsk.

The six-year-old has gone up 7lb in the ratings following successes at Warwick and Bath and does not look to be done with yet.

She blazed a trail at Bath before staying on strongly, a run which offers plenty of hope for defying her 6lb penalty here as she makes a swift reappearance.