Favourite Snowfall stunned by Teona in Prix Vermeille

Roger Varian's Teona had finished 28 lengths behind runaway Oaks heroine Snowfall when only 10th to her at Epsom back in June.

But she turned the Classic form round emphatically to gain her revenge - as 2-9 favourite Snowfall - who had also been sensational in winning the Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks - could finish only a length-and-a-half runner-up, and Teona (11-1) scored at the top level for the first time.

Snowfall, ridden again here by Frankie Dettori as she was at Epsom, was held up off the pace as her Ballydoyle stablemate La Joconde made much of the running - with Teona positioned in second by Olivier Peslier.

Dettori began to bridge the gap into the straight - but by then Teona - who had been her own worst enemy this season in terms of settling - had already made her telling challenge, and always appeared in control thereafter.

Snowfall had gone into her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe trial as ante-post favourite for the autumn highlight over course and distance next month - but after this defeat, she was eased to 6-1 from 5-2 by Coral, who rate Teona a 16-1 chance and make Derby hero Adayar their 4-1 favourite. Paddy Power and Betfair went 4-1 about Snowfall from 9-4.

The surprise outcome vindicated the belief Varian has long expressed in Teona.

The Newmarket trainer told Sky Sports Racing: "I'm delighted, speechless really.

"Everything went smooth - I thought Olivier did a great job on the filly, and she settled well.

"She showed what she can do … what she's capable of. We've always had massive faith in this filly, and we were disappointed how the first half of the season went for us.

"But we gave her time, and I'd like to thank the owner for being very patient."

Teona had also finished third to Snowfall when they were both having their first starts of the season in the Musidora Stakes at York in May - but she returned to winning form, after her Oaks setback, to easily land a Listed race at Windsor next month.

Varian added: "She's a big-framed filly, and maybe she's just needed time. I trained her mother (Ambivalent), who was very good - (and) she didn't win her Group One until she was an older filly.

"I think the family mature into themselves as they get older, so no doubt time has helped her."