Basher Watts syndicate hoping Shes Perfect is just that in Paris

Social media influencer Basher Watts is preparing for a huge afternoon in France as his pride and joy Shes Perfect flies the flag for Britain in the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp.

Trained by Charlie Fellowes and representing the syndicate which Watts heads, Shes Perfect is the only British-trained runner in action in the French capital on Sunday, where rivals include Francis-Henri Graffard’s exciting Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Zarigana – a granddaughter of the great Zarkava.

Watts said: “We’re rolling the dice and we’ll see, it’s a fact-finding mission. But we think really highly of her and at some point we’ve got to see properly how good she is, so why not do it at Longchamp.

“There’s plenty of us going over and we’re so excited and to be taking on horses like Zarigana in the Aga Khan colours is a dream.

“Zarigana looks a bit of a superstar so as long as Shes Perfect comes home safe and sound, we’ll enjoy it and party like there is no tomorrow.”

Shes Perfect holds entries for the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks later in the summer, with connections hopeful they have picked the right starting point for the new season.

Watts explained: “When she ran at Goodwood last time out we almost didn’t run her as it was very heavy ground.

“However, Ryan Moore who rode her that day said she was absolutely fine on the ground, so we looked and thought there’s not many options for her here over a mile and the Prix de la Grotte looked the obvious choice.

“We know she goes on the ground, a mile should be ideal for her and we were thinking it’s often not the biggest of fields so could be weaker than a Group Three in Britain.

“She went and had a nice winter break and and she’s really strengthened and grown over the winter. She look a picture and she’s a big girl and we’re really hoping she will step forward as a three-year-old.”

Watts has developed a strong following on TikTok and Instagram, with his ‘an honest day’ content proving a hit with racing fans and social media lovers alike.

It was the success of his social media channels and interaction from followers which persuaded Watts to set up the Basher Watts Racing syndicates, with his horses running in the white and dark blue silks of his beloved Tottenham Hostpur.

Watts said: “I’ve never had a horsey background, ridden a horse or grown up with ponies or anything like that. I’m just an avid racing fan.

“I started posting content on my TikTok just before the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and just managed to grow a nice base of viewers who enjoyed my content and also liked horse racing.

“I had shares in a few horses with syndicates myself and I used to post ‘an honest day as a racehorse owner’ and I then got loads of people asking how they get involved and who I would recommend they join as a syndicate owner.

“I ended up just putting it out there to see if anyone would be interested and it has always been a lifelong dream of mine to start my own syndicate.”

Now the 31-year-old and up to 20 of Shes Perfect’s syndicate members are ready to hit the continent for what could be a day to remember.

Watts added: “It’s like Christmas Eve at the moment for her owners. There’s about 45 owners in her and for the majority of them this is their first experience at owning a racehorse, so I keep trying to tell them it’s not this easy!

“The thing that makes syndicates really good is it is such a social thing and there will be 20 of us out in Paris. It will be a fantastic occasion no matter how she runs and to share that with such lovely owners makes it all the more special.

“I’ve a fantastic bunch of owners and my socials are really growing and hopefully we’re building something really special.”