Tag Archive for: Deauville

Deauville scorer Place Du Carrousel enters Arc reckoning

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Andre Fabre could have a contender for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe having saddled Place Du Carrousel to land the Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club at Deauville on Sunday.

The four-year-old had been seen just once so far this campaign when finishing down the field in the Prix Ganay, but was always close to the pace on her mid-season return and got first run on runner-up Bolthole as she cruised to a taking three-quarter-length success in the hands of Mickael Barzalona in the Group Three affair.

The daughter of Lope De Vega stayed on strongly to hunt down Nashwa in the Prix de l’Opera on Arc day last year, but could be headed to the main event this time around.

“It’s great to see her back,” said Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, who is owner Al Shaqab’s racing consultant in France.

“After the Ganay she really blossomed, but Andre took his time and said this is where we would start her off.

“There’s no rush. She’s in the Romanet but obviously there is the Vermeille and we hope she might be a filly for the Arc.”

There was little joy for the British and Irish raiders in the two other Group Three events, but Charlie Appleby did land a blow for the visitors when Bold Act dug deep in the Listed Prix Nureyev.

Bold Act returned to the winner's enclosure at Deauville
Bold Act returned to the winner’s enclosure at Deauville (Mike Egerton/PA)

The consistent son of New Approach – who showed a good deal of ability when scoring three times as a juvenile – had gone close in Saint-Cloud’s Prix Eugene Adam most recently and although looking briefly outpaced having followed stablemate Victory Dance into the straight, he hit top gear in the hands of William Buick when it mattered most.

“We were a little worried about the ground but it was fine, he battled on really well and deserved it,” said the winning rider.

The opening Circus Maximus Prix Francois Boutin went the way of Patrice Cottier’s Grey Man who justified favouritism in good style to see off Joseph O’Brien’s recent Galway scorer Mythology.

Grey Man was a taking winner in Deauville
Grey Man was a taking winner in Deauville (PA)

“It wasn’t a surprise, and we all thought he had a very good chance,” said owner Jean-Philippe Dubois.

“He won over six and a half furlongs, over a mile and today he’s won at seven.

“Two out he had the race won and we are very pleased, but I shall have to consult our trainer before deciding on his next race.”

There was a small shock in the Prix Minerve as Maxime Cesandri’s Engaliwe came out on top in a three-way finish with Dschingis Star and the William Haggas-trained Crack Of Light.

Engaliwe after winning the Prix Minerve
Engaliwe after winning the Prix Minerve (PA)

“It’s always been the plan to run in this race, but earlier in the week we decided to look again and see what was left in,” said the handler.

“I was convinced she should run and that the ground wouldn’t be too firm for her.

“She was fresh from her run in a Group Three in June and we are so happy to win for the group of friends that own her.

“Options include the Prix Vermeille later on or the Prix de Royallieu when the ground could be softer.”

Inspiral roars back to form to secure Deauville double

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Inspiral bounced back to her very best to defend her title in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly enjoyed one of her finest hours when triumphing in the mile Group One 12 months ago, but arrived on the Normandy coast with a point to prove having failed to get involved in the Sussex Stakes 11 days ago.

Ridden with restraint in the early stages by Frankie Dettori as favourite Big Rock set ablaze on the front end, the Italian conjured up a piece of magic aboard the Cheveley Park-owned four-year-old and when the time came to unleash his challenge, he had tacked across to the opposite side of the track to where the duo exited the stalls.

Inspiral after winning the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville
Inspiral after winning the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville (PA)

With a furlong to run it was Christopher Head’s French Derby second Big Rock who was still at the head of affairs, but Inspiral and her Royal Ascot conqueror Triple Time were looming large and although Kevin Ryan’s Queen Anne scorer couldn’t maintain his challenge, Inspiral was soon in full flow as she stormed through the line to register her first victory of the season.

The win gave both Dettori and the Clarehaven team a fourth straight success in Deauville’s showpiece, while it was the 52-year-old Italian’s eighth and final win in the race overall as he prepares to wave goodbye at the end of the season.

He said: “To win on your last ride in front of the beautiful public is fantastic. I have no rides next week and it’s farewell to this amazing track with its great town and people. What is there not to like about Deauville?

Frankie Dettori celebrates his victory in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois
Frankie Dettori celebrates his victory in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois (PA)

“To have Yves Saint-Martin here is an honour I watched Yves on TV with my father when I was a kid and he’s always been one of my heroes.

“It’s all credit to the filly. She has her moments and took Paddington on at Goodwood, but I looked after her as I knew today was the day.

“She needs a good pace and not soft ground, and on her conditions she got to work today. When she’s good, she’s very good.”

Reflecting on his winners in the prestigious mile contest, Dettori was in no doubt his 1999 hero Dubai Millennium was the pick of the bunch.

He added: “Dubai Millennium was the best of the lot and while she’s not as good, remember only champions win this race.”

John Gosden was also continuing his love affair with the Deauville event and having saddled the likes of Palace Pier (2020 and 2021) and Kingman (2014) as well as Inspiral to win in recent years is now eyeing a trip to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup for the daughter of Frankel.

“To win this race twice with Palace Pier, twice with this filly and of course with Kingman is very special and it’s a great race,” said the Clarehaven handler.

“I like it because it’s run on a straight track and usually there are no hard luck stories.

“Miesque (winner of the race in 1987 and 1988) was a great filly and a machine, but Inspiral can be brilliant on her day. When Frankie took her to the front he looked after her, and maybe we will take her to Santa Anita which is a good track for her.”

Betfair went 6-1 from 12s for Inspiral to make a successful trip to California for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, while the firm offer 9-4 from 3-1 for Newmarket’s Sun Chariot Stakes and 6-1 from 8s for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on British Champions Day.

Meanwhile the Big Rock camp had no excuses having finished a length and a quarter adrift of the winner dropping back to a mile.

“He has run a very good race and been beaten by a better horse. There are no excuses,” said Head.

“I am really satisfied with the performance of my runner. We will continue the programme we have mapped out for him, which entails a crack at the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.

“Then we will mull over the rest of his programme with his owner.”

Big Rock had to settle for second
Big Rock had to settle for second (PA)

The David Simcock-trained Light Infantry finished second last year but had to settle for third this time, with another trip to Australia now on the horizon after finishing sixth in Golden Eagle on his previous visit.

“He’s a brilliant, courageous and consistent horse – once again he put in a very good performance,” said Simcock.

“We will head back to Australia like last year. He has everything (you need) to become a star there. Last year, we made a mistake of not running him between the Marois and his Australia
assignment.

“This time, he will tackle a Group Three before going into quarantine, perhaps in France.”

Inspiral defending her crown in mouthwatering Marois

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Inspiral returns to Deauville in search of back-to-back Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois victories on Sunday.

John and Thady Gosden’s four-year-old bounced back from Falmouth Stakes disappointment to add the French Group One to her CV last season and is on a similar recovery mission this time around having got bogged down in testing conditions when faced with the almighty task of toppling Paddington in the Sussex Stakes.

Despite only an 11-day turnaround from Goodwood, connections have been encouraged by reports of drying ground on the Normandy coast and are happy to give the Cheveley Park Stud-owned filly the go-ahead for the defence of her title.

“Goodwood was a sort of disappointment having been the target, but with the ground conditions she just didn’t relish that at all,” said Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud.

“Frankie (Dettori) made his move to come to the rail and his injection of pick-up was short lived in those conditions.

“Conditions in France look to have dried up. There is a chance of a few showers, but John and Thady Gosden were happy with her after her race at Goodwood and Mrs Thompson is happy to let her go back to France for another chance at the Jacques le Marois.

“Her finest hour after Royal Ascot came there last year.”

Inspiral has often been seen at her best when kept fresh, but there appears to be few concerns about the quick return to action, with the unseasonably wet summer highlighting the importance of taking opportunities both when they arise and when conditions appear most suitable.

“I think John and Thady were happy with the fact Frankie was kind to her once her chance was gone at Goodwood,” added Richardson.

“Of course there is always a slight concern (about the quick turnaround), but we know she’s talented, she’s only had two races this year and they tell me she’s in a good place.

“There should be plenty of pace and we will let the filly do the talking. It will be nice to see her back out again and we just don’t know how the autumn is going to unfold.

“Going forward you have races like the Matron Stakes and others to consider, but you just don’t know what conditions are going to be. She was kept in training to race on and that’s where we are at this point.”

Neil Callan celebrates with Triple Time
Neil Callan celebrates with Triple Time (David Davies/PA)

Inspiral began her season by finishing a neck second to Triple Time in the Queen Anne Stakes and the Royal Ascot champion is reported to be in good order by Kevin Ryan ahead of the rematch on French soil.

He said: “Triple Time has had a nice bit of time between Ascot and now.

“We’ve had a lovely clear run with him. He’s working nicely and we’re delighted with him going into the race.”

Triple Time is joined in the line-up by stablemate Hi Royal who placed in both the 2000 Guineas and Irish equivalent earlier in the season and now returns to a mile with cheekpieces added having disappointed over seven furlongs in the Prix Jean Prat.

“The race didn’t pan out for him the last day,” added Ryan.

“He missed the break and when cutting back to seven furlongs he couldn’t afford to do that.

“He’s back up to a mile and I’m very happy with him going into the race.”

Hi Royal (second from right) ran a huge race in the 2000 Guineas
Hi Royal (second from right) ran a huge race in the 2000 Guineas (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

Hi Royal is owned by Jaber Abdullah and Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager for the owner, is also hoping the Kodiac colt can bounce back to his best.

He said: “To have a realistic good chance Hi Royal will have to find his form from the Irish Guineas when he was just over two and a half lengths behind Paddington.

“You just have to forgive him his last run and they are always allowed to throw the odd bad one in.

“If you totally forget that then he is a proper Group One horse and you keep your fingers crossed he will have a chance.”

The final UK-trained raider is Light Infantry who will attempt to go one better than when a neck second to Inspiral 12 months ago.

He was last seen finishing a keeping-on third in the Queen Anne and trainer David Simcock is full of admiration for his consistent Group One performer.

Light Infantry on his way to post for the Queen Anne Stakes
Light Infantry on his way to post for the Queen Anne Stakes (John Walton/PA)

“He’s never done a lot wrong and circumstances haven’t seemed to work out each time,” explained the Trillium Place handler.

“But he’s a model of consistency and has run at the top level a lot of the time and we’ve always been pleased with him.

“It looks a warm event and probably a tougher race than last year if anything. He’s got a bit to find but he goes there in good order and we’ll be hopeful.”

There is a strong challenge from the home team headed by Christopher Head’s Big Rock who found just star middle-distance colt Ace Impact too good in the Prix du Jockey Club, while a few lengths further back in third at Chantilly was Marhaba Ya Sanafi.

Like Hi Royal, Marhaba Ya Sanafi is owned by Jaber Abdullah and now returns to the distance he scooped Classic honours earlier in the campaign when landing the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Robinson added: “He’s got form over a mile, but I think the French Derby is his better form. He’s obviously got a bit to find with Big Rock on that run. These races you have to be in them to win them, but it is going to be very tough.

“Big Rock I think has a great chance and if Inspiral comes back to her best she must have a great chance as well. Triple Time also looked impressive at Ascot and if he finds that form to the table he will be in with a shout as well.

“This race brings out all the top horses, but our two are there and will have some kind of shout if at the top of their game. I think they will both run good races and won’t be far away, but they are going to have to find a little bit better and improve a bit to win.”

Last year’s Grand Prix de Paris winner Onesto races over a mile for the first time in over a year as he makes a belated seasonal reappearance, with his trainer Fabrice Chappet also represented by impressive Prix Jean Prat scorer Good Guess.

Andre Fabre’s Life In Motion brings Group One course and distance form to the table having been narrowly denied in the Prix Rothschild, while Jean-Claude Rouget’s Erevann and Mario Baratti’s German 2000 Guineas winner Angers add extra spice to a red-hot contest.

Big Rock ready to roll in Prix Jacques le Marois

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Big Rock will bid for Group One glory in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday.

The Christopher Head-trained Rock Of Gibraltar colt has had a superb season so far, starting off with a wide-margin handicap success before progressing up the levels in a three-race winning streak.

The first leg of the hat-trick was the Listed Prix Maurice Caillault, which he won by four and a half lengths, after which he took in the Group Three Prix la Force and was a comfortable winner again.

At the same level he landed the Prix de Guiche by an unchallenged three lengths and the following month he stepped up to an extended 10 furlongs for the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, running a huge race from the front before Arc favourite Ace Impact ran him down.

Another big-race tilt now awaits for the three-year-old, back to a mile against the likes of Kevin Ryan’s Queen Anne winner Triple Time.

“He’s going to run on Sunday at Deauville, everything is all right with him,” said Head.

“He is in good form and we are pretty optimistic about his run in the Jacques le Marois.

“He has been working well and we are looking forward to having another Group One run with him.

“He takes his racing very well and is a very nice horse.”

Triple Time leads Ryan duo into Jacques le Marois heat

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Kevin Ryan is planning to saddle both Triple Time and Hi Royal in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday.

Triple Time has been kept fresh since causing a 33-1 upset in the curtain-raising Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and is firmly on course for a cross-Channel raid this weekend.

His younger stablemate Hi Royal was placed in both the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish Guineas at the Curragh in the spring, but never threatened to land a blow in last month’s Prix Jean Prat.

However, he too is being readied for a return to Deauville, with William Buick booked for the ride.

Ryan said: “Both horses are in good form, Triple Time was very good at Royal Ascot and I’m looking forward to running him again.

“Hi Royal has always been a very consistent horse other than his last start and he’s been working well.

“Neil Callan will obviously ride Triple Time and William Buick has become available and rides Hi Royal.”

Conditions have been testing recently but a dry week both here and in France should see the ground improve and Ryan is hopeful the going will not be an issue at the weekend.

He said: “It’s a dry week, the ground today was good to soft and I don’t think there’s any rain forecast – it should be drying out all the time.”

Via Sistina to seek Romanet riches at Deauville

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Via Sistina will head to France in search of further Group One glory in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on Sunday week.

Hugely impressive on her seasonal debut in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, George Boughey’s filly subsequently struck gold at the top table in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland.

She was beaten into third when a hot favourite to double her top-level tally in the Falmouth Stakes back on home soil last month and having sidestepped last week’s Nassau at Goodwood, she is being readied for a trip across the Channel.

Boughey said: “Via Sistina is in great shape. It was a little frustrating watching the Nassau without having her in it in that (soft) ground, but it was never really the plan after we went to the Falmouth and she’s getting ready to run in the Romanet at Deauville on August 20.

“She’d had two quick runs and we’ve got to pick our battles – you can’t run in every race – and it’s been the plan to run in the Romanet for a long time should the ground be right for her.

“It’s the last four-year-old and above fillies only race for her this year and we’re very pleased with her. She worked yesterday (Monday) morning, Jamie Spencer sat on her and was very happy.”

Having come up short over a mile in the Falmouth, Via Sistina will return to a mile and a quarter at Deauville and looks set to stick to longer distances for the rest of the campaign.

George Boughey is targeting another Group One win with Via Sistina
George Boughey is targeting another Group One win with Via Sistina (David Davies/PA)

“We wanted to experiment over the mile in the Falmouth, but she was tapped for toe and we’ll go back up in trip,” Boughey added.

“She’s entered in the 10-furlong (Champion Stakes) and the 12-furlong race (Fillies & Mares Stakes) on Champions Day at Ascot and she’ll be in the Prix de l’Opera over 10 (furlongs) on Arc day.”

More immediately the Newmarket handler is hoping to run his high-class juvenile filly Soprano on the July course in this weekend’s Molson Coors Sweet Solera Stakes.

Third in the Albany Stakes over six furlongs at Royal Ascot, the daughter of Starspangledbanner occupied the same finishing position when a hot favourite to successfully step up to seven in the Star Stakes at Sandown a fortnight ago.

Despite that reverse, Boughey is keen to give his younger star another chance over the longer trip in Saturday’s Group Three feature if conditions are deemed suitable.

He said: “The ground is a bit of a question mark and has been for a while, but it’s been dry in Newmarket the last few days and if it stays that way she will certainly be turning up on Saturday.

“She worked very well this morning and it’s all systems go really.”

Prix Morny on Clive Cox’s mind for Jasour

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Clive Cox will be keeping his eye on the weather forecast with a tilt at the Prix Morny a possibility for his crack two-year-old Jasour.

Although beaten a neck on debut, the son of Havana Grey gave a glimmer of his potential and having opened his account next time in a Nottingham maiden, he successfully moved up in class with a taking victory in the July Stakes at Newmarket.

He was due to try to build on that success in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last week, but with the ground turning soft and bigger assignments lying in wait, Cox decided to hold fire with his star speedster.

Jasour could now take aim at Deauville’s Prix Morny on August 20, but if conditions are testing across the Channel, he could be diverted to York’s Gimcrack Stakes five days later.

“He’s in the Morny and the Gimcrack,” said Cox. “Obviously the ground was quite soft in Deauville last weekend, but the forecast is hopefully a lot more settled and I hope that continues to be the case.

“If conditions fall suitable there, we would be very much pleased to be heading that way and with the Gimcrack the following week, we have options if weather conditions turn against us.

“That was our reason for there being no urgency to run in the Richmond with the conditions how they turned out. While I was very happy with the horse, we knew we had some serious targets we were inclined to run in as well and it made that decision more pleasing with that in mind.”

A run in the Morny would represent a first taste of Group One action for Jasour, but with a Group Two under his belt, Cox believes his charge has all the attributes to follow in the footsteps of his 2012 Deauville scorer Reckless Abandon and strike at the top-table.

He added: “I hope it (his class) was visible in the July Stakes. We held him in high regard and amongst our really nice team of two-year-olds at home, he was our only entry for the Gimcrack which confirms our thoughts prior to the July success.

“He has done everything really well and I think especially that last run, that was the first time that we probably achieved what we had been seeing at home on the track.

“It was pleasing that everyone got to see that and he is a horse that has always encouraged our opinion to think top-end and I hope that continues to be the case.”

Another Cox youngster who could be sighted on the Knavesmire during the Ebor meeting is Symbology, who holds an entry for the Lowther Stakes and was an impressive winner at the track on debut.

She has since placed in a competitive renewal of Ascot’s Princess Margaret Stakes and the Beechdown Stables hander is pleased with her progress since her first foray into Group company.

“She has come out of the race really well and I think she was beaten by a really nice Dark Angel filly of Charlie Johnston’s (Sacred Angel),” continued Cox.

“I think she is a filly that has really only just started to come to herself and I hope there is much more progress and improvement to be seen following that pleasing placed effort in a Group Three.

“It was a big step from her maiden at York and she is a filly we hold in high regard.

“She has a Lowther entry and we had to make that entry before she had even run. It would nice to think she could run there, but we have options with her and I’m delighted with her following her second run.”

Sprint Cup assignment for Spycatcher after narrow Deauville defeat

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Spycatcher will be targeted at the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock following his near-miss in Sunday’s Prix Maurice de Gheest.

Having impressed in a Group Three at the track four weeks earlier, the five-year-old returned to Deauville for Sunday’s Group One feature and looked set to provide trainer Karl Burke with a first top-level success in almost four years when quickening clear of the field.

In the end he was mowed down by King Gold, with just a short head separating the pair at the line.

Burke said: “It was a bit frustrating as it was literally a nod of the heads, wasn’t it? Sometimes they go for you and sometimes they go against you, it’s just a shame it went against us in a Group One.

“I think he was probably the best horse in the race. Take nothing away from the winner, who stays really well, whereas we have that turn of foot and got away from them by that two or three lengths and probably thought we had the race in the bag at the furlong pole.

“The winner just cut us down and then we battled back again, credit to Spycatcher, but it was heads up heads down and it went against us.”

Trainer Karl Burke at York
Trainer Karl Burke at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Spigot Lodge handler is now hoping similarly testing conditions prevail on Merseyside on September 9 to give his charge the best chance of going one better ahead of a likely tilt at the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.

“Fingers crossed he stays in one piece and Haydock will be the plan, presuming the ground is right, and also Champions Day at Ascot, which nine times out of 10 does come up in our favour,” he added.

“We’re in the lap of the gods really as if either of those races are run on fast ground he won’t be there, but hopefully we’ll find some nice sprint races for him here or in France or wherever.”

Two and a half lengths behind his stablemate in fourth at Deauville was Cold Case, who Burke feels is now in need of more of a stamina test.

“He ran well, Cliff (Lee, jockey) just felt he was a little bit behind the bridle for whatever reason and he didn’t show his usual dash,” said the trainer.

“A step up in trip is definitely in the offing for him. He’ll go up to seven furlongs and we’ll probably try him at a mile before the season’s out.

“He’s a high-class horse but is probably not at that level just yet. Something like the Park Stakes at Doncaster next month could be a good one for him.”

Spycatcher so close to Group One glory at Deauville

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King Gold lunged late to deny British raiders Spycatcher and Saint Lawrence top-level success in a thrilling renewal of the ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

A field of 10 sprinters went to post for the Group One contest and the market was dominated by the raiding party, with the Karl Burke-trained Spycatcher the narrow favourite to supplement his course victory of four weeks ago.

Burke had a major second string to his bow in Cold Case, Tim Easterby also sent Art Power from Yorkshire following his latest win at the Curragh a fortnight ago and the Archie Watson-trained Saint Lawrence was out to supplement Royal Ascot success in the Wokingham Stakes.

In the end, though, the prize stayed at home.

Art Power soon adopted his customary pacesetting role in the hands of David Allan, but was a spent force entering the final furlong, at which stage Spycatcher looked likely to oblige in the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing colours after taking over the lead.

But having settled his mount out the back for much of the six-and-a-half-furlong journey, Stephane Pasquier produced Nicolas Caullery-trained grey King Gold with a late challenge and he held on to deny Spycatcher in the shadow of the post by a short head.

Saint Lawrence was just a neck further behind in third and may well have been even closer had he enjoyed a clearer passage.

Highclere’s managing director, Harry Herbert, said of Spycatcher: “Maxime (Guyon) said he was in front just before the line and after the line.

“He’s run an absolutely fantastic race. It’s extraordinary what Karl and his team have done. The vet said last year we should retire him and he’s not only come back but he’s come back to within a fraction of winning a Group One.

“It’s disappointing not to win, but at the same time we’re so thankful he’s doing what he’s doing, and on the right ground and the right conditions he’s pretty special.”

Bookmaker reaction to Spycatcher’s run was positive with the Sprint Cup at Haydock in mind, Coral cutting him to 10-1 from 16-1.

Herbert added: “We’re all pretty competitive so getting beaten in a Group One by a short head is agony right now – but he’s absolutely lethal when ground conditions are as easy as they are here and hopefully next time the nod goes our way.

“We’ll certainly be thinking of running him in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.”

Caullery, 44, saddling his first Group One winner, told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s a beautiful moment – it’s unbelievable. The owner is also the breeder and it’s a magic day.

“He started (the year) in Dubai and ran well in Dubai. When he came back to France he won a handicap and a Group Three and now a Group One, it’s fabulous.

“He can do a lot of things, six or seven furlongs. He’s a strong horse with a great mind.

“Life is too short, you have to enjoy every day and we do.”

Art Power aiming to seize Group One opportunity at Deauville

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Connections of Art Power believe Sunday’s Prix Maurice de Gheest presents the flying grey with his “best chance ever” of striking gold at the highest level for the first time.

Not beaten far when fourth in last month’s July Cup, Tim Easterby’s six-year-old turned out just seven days later for the Group Two Sapphire Stakes and produced a dominant display to extend his unbeaten record at the Curragh to four.

He faces another quick turnaround and a step up in trip for this weekend’s Deauville feature, but confidence is high that he can strike whilst the iron is hot.

Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing, said: “He’s got his favoured ground and he’s thriving at the moment. He seems to love travelling and in French conditions we feel six and a half furlongs shouldn’t be a problem – he actually ran pretty well last year over seven at York.

“The style of racing in France should really suit us as he might be able to dominate and this is possibly his best chance ever to win a Group One.

“We’ve still got a month until the Flying Five back at the Curragh, so he can get a bit of a break after this weekend and he is a six-year-old gelding, so you may as well race them.

“He’s been a great servant and it would be great if he could add a Group One to his CV.”

Cold Case is one of two runners for Karl Burke
Cold Case is one of two runners for Karl Burke (Tim Goode/PA)

Art Power is part of a strong British contingent that also includes the Karl Burke-trained duo of Cold Case and Spycatcher.

Cold Case was last seen being beaten just half a length into third place in the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury, while his stablemate Spycatcher returns to Deauville having carried the colours of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing to an an impressive Group Three win at the track four weeks ago.

“The horse is in really good form and he loves this ground and the track. We just thought he deserves to to take his chance,” said Highclere’s managing director Harry Herbert.

“It’s a rather unique race obviously in that it’s run over six and a half furlongs and that would be his ideal trip.”

He added: “We’re really excited. He’s been such a fun horse, he was so impressive last time and having thought he might be retired last year with a little issue he had, he now seems to be better than ever.

“The turnaround has been incredible for his shareholders, he’s been very well trained by Karl and it’s amazing to be heading over to Deauville for a Group One.”

Archie Watson’s Saint Lawrence, the David Evans-trained Rohaan, Andrew Balding’s Sandrine and Brad The Brief from Hugo Palmer’s yard complete the raiding party.

With Aidan O’Brien’s Little Big Bear not declared having been supplemented earlier in the week, the field is completed by Nicolas Caullery’s pair of Fort Payne and King Gold and Egot, trained by French maestro Andre Fabre.

Elite Status gets back on track with cosy Deauville win

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Elite Status served a reminder of his talent with a taking victory in the Prix de Cabourg at Deauville.

Trained by Karl Burke, the son of Havana Grey had appeared a colt of supreme potential when following up an easy win at Doncaster on debut with an emphatic triumph at Listed level in the National Stakes.

That set up a tilt at the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot where his winning run came to an end, but upped to six furlongs on the Normandy coast, he got back to winning ways in fine style.

Always handily placed in the hands of Clifford Lee, he was travelling powerfully as the Group Three contest entered its final furlong and only needed to be encouraged to keep up his work late on as he held off Andre Fabre’s Sajir by a length and a quarter.

“I think he beat a couple of smart French colts and did it very easy in the end,” said Burke.

“He’s a lazy horse and we learned a little bit more about him today and he was drawing away at the end once Cliff gave him a smack or two. Cliff said he couldn’t pull him up then and there was a bit more in the tank I think.

“He’s a lovely horse and we think he’s pretty good and it’s great to get back on track after Ascot when we were a bit disappointed.”

The youngster could now be in line for a tilt at Group One honours and a return to Deauville for the Prix Morny on August 20, although York’s Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes also remains an option depending on how high-class stablemate Kylian gets on in his Goodwood assignment next week.

Elite Status winning the National Stakes at Sandown
Elite Status winning the National Stakes at Sandown (Adam Davy/PA)

Burke added: “I would say we will either be back to Deauville for the Morny or the Gimcrack next. I will have a chat with Sheikh Obaid (owner) and see which way he wants to go.

“He will be home tomorrow and as long as he is OK I think he deserves a crack at a Group One, but if we are not sure then the Gimcrack is another obvious race.

“A lot will depend on how Kylian gets on this week, although they are two different owners and they could go for the same race. However, I did say to both owners it would be nice if they could meet in the Middle Park at the end of the year, that would suit me.

“Let’s see what happens. He will be entered in the Morny next week and we will go from there.”

Amy Murphy’s Geologist fared best of the British-based runners when third in the Group Three Prix Six Perfections behind Laulne while David Simcock’s Empress Wu filled the same spot in the Prix de Psyche, won by Excellent Truth.

Grand Alliance to step up in trip on advice of Ryan Moore

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Charlie Fellowes will step the quirky but talented Grand Alliance up in distance on his next start on the advice of Ryan Moore.

The four-year-old infamously threw away the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer when hanging badly but still only losing out by a nose. The visor he wore that day has subsequently been replaced by cheekpieces and he has since been gelded.

He came good with a facile success in the Group Three John Porter Stakes at Newbury in April, but disappointed on his return to the Royal meeting for the Hardwicke last month and has since finished a tailed off last of four in the Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket.

Moore was on board Grand Alliance for the first time at the July meeting and while the prevailing first ground appeared an obvious excuse for his below-par effort, the rider took a different view.

Fellowes said: “Grand Alliance is a funny character and a lot of people said ‘why did you run him on ground you knew was too quick?’, but a lot of the time you don’t learn about horses sitting at home.

“We had booked Ryan Moore, who is just an outstanding jockey, and I felt we’d learn more about the horse by running than we would staying at home.

“Ryan got off him and said ‘this horse, in my opinion, is crying out for a step up in trip’. He said ‘I don’t think his attitude is a problem’. He’s been called a lot of names in the past, but Ryan felt he really worked for him and he just said ‘I could not go quick enough’.

“Ryan said ‘step up to two miles and see what happens, yes it was good to firm, but in my opinion the ground wasn’t a problem, the problem was the trip’.”

Fellowes will therefore test Grand Alliance over a longer trip next time and has identified a suitable race in France next month.

“We’ve got an eye on the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville, which is over a mile and seven furlongs and he should get a little bit of cut in the ground,” the trainer added.

“That’s the race I’ve got pencilled in at the moment and that should tell us whether we need to drop back to a mile and a half when the ground really does get soft or if we stay the trip over two miles, ridden patiently, maybe it opens up a few more doors.

“It’s a little bit of a fact-finding mission and I still feel like we haven’t quite worked the horse out, but it’ll be interesting to try what Ryan says.”

Live In The Dream pencilled in for Deauville return

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Live In The Dream will return from his midseason break at Deauville next Sunday, with trainer Adam West excited to see if he can retain his consistency in the second half of the campaign.

The four-year-old was an improving sprinter last term but hit a purple patch earlier in the season when following back-to-back victories in handicap company with placed efforts in both the Palace House and Temple Stakes when upped to Group-race level.

Having been given a break following his fine effort behind Dramatised at Haydock in May, West is now fine-tuning the gelding for his French return which he hopes will set him up for further big race assignments later in the season.

“He will be back next Sunday. He goes to Deauville for the Listed Prix Du Cercle,” said West.

“He had a little break and has freshened up really well. We were lucky enough to work at Sandown on Thursday because of his Nunthorpe entry and he did the work nicely.

“He should come on for the run in France, wherever he ends up going after. There are still a few options in America as well as the Nunthorpe.”

He went on: “I think the break has done him really well. He came out of the Temple Stakes really well, but trying to divide a season in two halves is hard.

“I will look forward to running him in France, we’ve got a lot of owners heading over there. It is almost like a little holiday for everyone and if we can get a bit of luck, it will be even better.”

Live In The Dream was narrowly beaten in both of his forays into Group company this term and West is already planning ways to increase his stamina for next season to ensure he has a better chance of landing a telling blow in one of the season’s top sprinting contests.

He added: “We’ll probably look to start a little later next year and look to keep him going, rather than breaking in the middle.

“Next year will be about trying to sustain that little bit further and make him a little more amenable on the stiffer tracks because we keep getting collared late.

“If we can just put a little bit more stamina in him with another year’s strength under his belt, I think he would be right up there at these big tracks.”

Fabre dominates Prix Rothschild as Mqse De Sevigne prevails

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There was no joy for the British and Irish raiders as Mqse De Sevigne led home an Andre Fabre-trained one-two in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville.

Fabre had won the Group One contest five times in the past and became the race’s leading trainer as his consistent four-year-old Mqse De Sevigne came home ahead of stablemate Life In Motion.

Jockey Alexis Pouchin, who was winning at the highest level for the first time, was in no rush aboard the filly as Prix Jean Prat runner-up Sauterne and Kelina led the field along, with Ralph Beckett’s race favourite Remarquee travelling powerfully on the wing and Royal Ascot winner Rogue Millennium held up in rear.

As the likes of Remarquee began to wane in the closing stages, the stealthily ridden Fabre pair emerged as the main dangers to the ever-game Sauterne and it was Mqse De Sevigne who had a bit extra in the tank as she led home a one-two-three for the home team, fittingly in the colours of the Rothschild family.

The winner had been campaigning over 10 furlongs but owner Baron Edouard De Rothschild was persuaded by Fabre to drop the filly back in trip, a move which proved successful on the Normandy coast.

“I think it is tremendously wonderful for the stud and all the team that work very hard and I am delighted,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

“When Nashwa won the Falmouth Stakes, Andre Fabre called me and said I think we should do the same and drop back in trip.

“He picked out a race at the end of August, but I said no, the entries for the Prix Rothschild are over but we can supplement her and we did.

“It’s a fantastic result for the team and I am delighted.”

Pouchin said: “It’s a great moment for me, and I want to make the most of it! Monsieur Fabre had asked me not to force the pace as the filly was stepping down somewhat in trip.

“We had a very good race, even if the filly who we were tracking folded very tamely. When I asked my filly to pick up, she responded perfectly. After the post, all the jockeys congratulated me. I can scarcely take it all in!”

Rogue Millennium chasing Group One glory at Deauville

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Rogue Millennium will bid to give Tom Clover his first Group One success when she lines up in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on Sunday.

The Newmarket handler enjoyed the biggest day of his training career when his stable star struck Duke of Cambridge Stakes gold at Royal Ascot and connections now hope to extend that winning feeling as they make the journey to France.

The four-year-old, who is owned by the Rogues Gallery syndicate, has spent most of her time racing over 10 furlongs, including when a close second to Free Wind in the Middleton Stakes at York on her penultimate start.

However, it was a drop back to a mile which proved fruitful when successful at the Royal meeting and Clover sees little reason to change things.

“When we ran her in the Middleton, she just travelled so strongly from off the pace when we tracked through Free Wind and she just looks sharper in her work now,” explained Clover.

“Even earlier in the season she was working well with some decent six- and seven-furlong horses and I just thought she is really sharpening up. She travels so well and it is hard to have a horse to take her far enough through her races she just travels that well. We won over a mile, so it makes sense to stay at a mile.”

He went on: “She has taken the Rogues and us on a terrific journey all the way through her three-year-old and four-year-old years and it’s wonderful to be lining up in a Group One again.

Rogue Millennium winning at Royal Ascot
Rogue Millennium winning at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“Obviously it was a fantastic day at Ascot and one we will always remember, but let’s hope we can continue on the path we’ve been going on.

“She’s been very consistent this year and I hope she can maintain that consistency. She seems well and has been since Ascot and hopefully we have some luck. It would be great if she can run a big race.”

John and Thady Gosden’s Grande Dame was disappointing when sent off one of the co-favourites for the Ascot contest Rogue Millennium won, but has solid Group One form to her name having finished third in last season’s Sun Chariot.

Thady Gosden said: “She improved through the year last year and she didn’t run until Ascot this season on ground that was quicker than ideal for her.

“It’s only her second start of the year and it’s a small field of similarly-rated fillies.

“She’s Group One placed from the Sun Chariot last year and she certainly deserves to take her chance in what looks a relatively open Group One.”

Meanwhile, Ralph Beckett’s Remarquee is another to bring fine efforts at the highest level to the table.

The daughter of Kingman had only Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Tahiyra ahead of her in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and then faced the unenviable task of tackling an on-song Nashwa when second in the Falmouth Stakes.

That outing was Remarquee’s first appearance in the ownership of Wathnan Racing and she now gets the opportunity to add to her victory in the Fred Darling earlier in the campaign before a well-earned break.

“We are conscious it is her third run in a fairly short space of time, but we are going to give her a break next, win, lose or draw,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser for the owners.

“She has come out of Newmarket in great form. She’s still quite green and still learning her job.

“She came up against Nashwa at her best last time and that is a hard task for any filly. She ran a great race and she has never ran a bad race, so hopefully she can run another good race in France.”

Sounds Of Heaven after winning at York
Sounds Of Heaven after winning at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Jessica Harrington’s Sounds Of Heaven was a head behind Remarquee when third at Royal Ascot and is making just her fifth career appearance, while there is a strong home challenge which includes Prix Jean Prat runner-up Sauterne.

Patrice Cottier’s filly was second to Carlos Laffron Parais’ Kelina in the Prix de Sandringham before that and they will lock horns once more, with Andre Fabre’s pair of Life In Motion and
Mqse De Sevigne are both dropping back in distance for their shot at glory on the Normandy coast.

Hedi Ghabri’s Tairann completes the field of nine.