Amy Murphy looks to build on a strong start to 2026 by landing Classic honours in the Group 1 Henkel-Preis der Diana (2200m) at Düsseldorf on Sunday with new recruit Sea The Storm.

This has been the main target for the three-year-old daughter of Sea The Stars, who has moved to Murphy’s base in Lamorlaye, north of Paris, after finishing last of nine runners in the Listed Prix de Thiberville (2400m) at Longchamp last month.

Yet the new trainer is upbeat about the Group 1 challenge, which has long been the plan determined by British-based owners Tars Farm Equestrian Stud. After winning on debut in a Sandown maiden over 1600m, the filly was taken to Germany for the Group 3 Preis der Winterkonigin (1600m), finishing second.

Sea The Storm kicked off her three-year-old campaign winning a Wetherby novice (2000m) for William Haggas, and will bid to remain unbeaten when starting out for a new yard in the weekend’s big race.

“She’s just joined us and we’re still finding out a bit about her. This has always been the plan and we’re just getting her there in good shape,” Murphy said.

“She’s shown some good form but will need to step forward on her recent runs clearly. I think the distance will really suit her well and we’re happy with how she is going into the race. It’s a great Group 1 to target for her owners who have always wanted to get her ready for this race.

“We’ve had a great start to the year already so it’d be really good to try and continue that in the coming weeks with some big runners to come.”

Murphy, who moved to France having trained in Newmarket for several years, enjoyed her biggest victory since making the move when Tokaido landed a fifth consecutive victory in the Group 2 Prix Robert-Papin (1000m) earlier this month.

Sea The Storm is one of two French-trained raiders set to head to Düsseldorf with Lapotheose also set to run for Yann Barberot. The Wootton Bassett filly is stepping up in trip after capturing the Group 2 Prix Saint-Alary (2000m) at Longchamp in May.

Photo: Marc Ruehl