The racing world in Europe is anticipating the year's highlight, Royal Ascot, next week. Meanwhile, there is another classic to be run this Sunday, the Prix de Diane (French Oaks), as usual sponsored by Longines, the famed Swiss watch manufacturer, which is the official timekeeper at the track. First run in 1843, the "Diane" is more than a horserace – it is a grand social occasion that brings out the who's-who of Paris society,  suitably accoutred in their finery. As in previous years, the race is set to be run over 2100 m. at Chantilly, and goes off as the fourth race of a nine-event card on June 15^th, with 12 fillies clashing for the €1,000,000  on offer.

Perhaps race clubs in India should take note of the fact that the side entertainment is not allowed to detract from the actual racing. It takes place both before the racing commences (a free concert by Julien Dore at 12:30 p.m., one hour before the first race) and after it finishes – with a "surprise DJ" scheduled to make an appearance a few minutes after the last race. Such an arrangement ensures that racing patrons are not disturbed from their core pursuit, the perpetual search for a winner.

A notable omission from the dozen declared to run in the Prix de Diane is Freddie Head's unbeaten Prix Saint-Alary winner, We Are (by Dansili), who is not being risked as she is unwell. Likewise, another daughter of the same sire, Veda, runner-up in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, was removed from consideration at the last stage.

In contrast, there is a notable addition to the original entries in the shape of Ball Dancing (by Exchange Rate), from the yard of Madame Pia Brandt. The American-bred was supplemented at the cost of €66,000, so must be felt to hold an each-way chance. Antoine Hamelin resumes his partnership with the Prix du Royaumont runner-up.There are no challengers from Britain or Ireland and the "foreign" threat is confined to the German miss, Feodora (by Lord Of England). Gestut Etzean's chestnut is schooled across the border by Frau R. Weissmeier, the only other lady trainer represented, and the services of Stephane Pasquier have been requisitioned.

Several top-class fillies are in the field so it will have to require the winner to be a real "good 'un" to take home the winner's prize. The unbeaten Avenir Certain (by Le Havre) is aiming for her second classic win on the trot, she having garnered the honours in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas) in May, where she was allowed to go off at 14 to 1 despite her excellent record. A resident of Jean-Claude Rouget's stables in Pau, near the Spanish border, she will have Gregory Benoist to guide her destiny. Should she stay better than her "mile" pedigree suggests, she can carve out a straight path to the winner's circle.

Aiming to deny her is the Aga Khan's Shamkala (by Pivotal), who has already proven her mettle over the trip when making the Prix Cleopatre her own over 2100 m., although that victory came at Saint-Cloud. Also undefeated, she had broken her maiden at the first time of asking at Chantilly, so has both "course" and "distance" credentials. Retained rider Christophe Soumillon steers the bay, who is descended from a half-sister to Shergar and Shernazar and is attempting the difficult task of trying to successfully make the ascent from Group 3 company to becoming a Group 1 classic winner. Nevertheless, she is likely to start favourite. Perhaps the excellent record of Alain Royer-Dupre – who has trained no less than six previous winners of this feature – has contributed to this display of public support.

Having been deprived of a couple of classic winning chances through the absence of We Are and Veda, the Juddmonte stalwart, Dansili, has yet another daughter to fly his flag in the shape of Miss France, winner of the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last month. Her participation depends on the ground conditions and it is possible her trainer, Andre Fabre, might re-route her to Royal Ascot if Chantilly gets enough rain to make the going soft. If she starts here, Maxim Guyon will be astride. Interestingly, the level of effort posted for a distaff Guineas victory in France this year was 4 points higher than in England – more often than not, the English Guineas victress is rated higher.

Miss France's owner, Ms. Diane Wildenstein of Ballymore Thoroughbred Ltd., won't be without a runner, though, as she also has Local Hero (by Zamindar) in contention. Perhaps one could say that she is appropriately named for a winner over this track? That victory, in her most recent start, came in a modest conditions event over 2000 m. and unless she has improved by leaps and bounds, she would find herself over-matched here. She is trained by Yan Durepaire and the recently-relocated Mickael Barzalona will be at the controls.

Even though the rub of the green did not go the way of his mount in the French Derby, Gerald Mosse is back to try and make amends through the good-class Xcellence (by Champs Elysees), who has a fine turn of foot. Winner of the Prix Imprudence for Francois Doumen earlier this term, she blotted her copybook when third behind Avenir Certain in the French 1000 Guineas, beaten about the same distance as she had been when behind Miss France last year. It would require several fillies to run below par for Xcellence to be able to score here, although a place is a distinct possibility.

Rare is a French classic without a runner sporting the Wertheimer silks. Donning those colours for the umpteenth time is French ace jockey Olivier Peslier, his mount being Bawina (by Dubawi), an improving sort fielded by Carlos Laffon-Parias. While she was beaten into fourth in the French 1000 Guineas, she has been on the upgrade and it's not inconceivable that she could make the required degree of progress to be a factor. Moreover she is not highly dependent on the going, having shown form on different types. Finally, she ought to prefer the additional 500 metres.

Obviously at least one of the unbeaten fillies will taste defeat for the first time. Beyond that, there is no yardstick recommending any one filly over the others and you can take your pick from Avenue Certain, Bawina, Miss France, Shamkala and Xcellence.