Handed one of the masterclass rides around ParisLongchamp on Sunday, George Strawbridge's Friendly Soul (Kingman) led at every step under James Doyle to land the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille.Resisting pressure on the front end from Ballydoyle's outsider Composing (Wootton Bassett), the 6-1 shot who was trying this mile-and-a-half trip for the first time kicked away from that rival entering the home straight and had enough rope to hold on and win by 3/4 of a length from Pink Panthera (Chachnak). The hard-luck story of the race was Juddmonte's Sunly (Night Of Thunder), who stumbled coming out of the stalls and lost lengths and was staying on powerfully at the death to finish only a length behind the winner in third.“I had a good chat with everyone who knew her beforehand and she jumped super quick, pricked her ears and then got on me a bit which is what I didn't want,” Doyle said of the 2024 Prix de l'Opera heroine who was setting a race record. “Once I let out a bit of rein we found that happy medium and she was very brave for a mare who hadn't proven her stamina for this.”“She got lonely in front, but when she felt the second coming to her went again,” he added. “One thing everyone said before was that she keeps going and she was very tough at the business end. Going a mile and a half on testing ground may not be 100 per-cent what she needs, but it could stay dry for the Arc, you never know.”Thady Gosden added, “She likes to do things her own way, but was never really able to get a breather and showed that she is a hugely talented filly and tough too. It's great to have her back to her best. The mile and a half was unknown territory, but she's from one of George Strawbridge's best families and it's wonderful to win over this trip. We'll talk to George and see she how comes out of this, but it's great to have the option of the Arc and if it comes up soft we know she likes that.”What a performance! Friendly Soul puts up a remarkable display in the Qatar Prix Vermeille! pic.twitter.com/H7I2ob17rP— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 6, 2026The post Vermeille Glory For Friendly Soul, Arc Option Opens Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.