True Love steps out as the market favourite for the 2026 edition of the Prix Maurice de Gheerrt, a Group One sprint that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 3.40pm from the historic Deauville racecourse. The Sky Sports Racing preview takes us straight to the French seaside venue where True Love will lead the field in what promises to be a high‑octane contest over six furlongs. The filly, best known for her classic triumph in the 1000 Guineas, was narrowly beaten in her most recent start at Longchamp in the Prix Jean Prat, a mile race where she was edged out by the Jersey Stakes winner Thesecretadversary. That performance, although a loss, demonstrated her ability to stay the mile and confirmed that she possesses the turn of foot required for top‑class sprinting.
Her earlier victory in the Cheveley Park Stakes over the same distance in September further underlines her speed credentials. With her versatility now proven, her connections are already looking ahead to her future role as a broodmare, where her blend of speed and stamina will be highly prized.
Wayne Lordan will take the reins for the French trip, stepping in for Ryan Moore, who is unavailable for the race. Another contender to watch is Stolen Kiss, a colt who has shown a rapid improvement after being switched back to sprint distances earlier in the season. The colt has already bested last year’s winner Sajir on two consecutive occasions and produced a very tight fourth‑place finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, arguably the strongest form on the card.
Although he will be carrying more weight than True Love, his recent performances suggest he could give the favourite a real run for its money under the guidance of trainer Alexis Pouchin. Wathnan Racing, fresh from a successful campaign at the Goodwood Festival, will be eager to add another victory to their tally, this time with the William Haggas‑trained son of Kingman, Division. Division has been close to the winner’s circle on several occasions this year, finishing second in the Sandy Lane Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, both times behind Venetian Sun.
A respectable fifth‑place in the July Cup shows he can hold his own against elite sprinters, and a win at Deauville would be a logical next step. Samangan is not to be dismissed either. The horse has been beaten narrowly by both Division and True Love in recent outings, but those close margins indicate a genuine ability to compete at this level. Take Charge Star, representing veteran jockey Johnny Murtagh, also enters the mix after only a neck’s defeat to Thesecretadversary – the very horse that bested True Love in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
This close finish suggests Take Charge Star could be a serious threat if he can replicate that performance. Returning after a spell since May, Distant Storm will make his comeback in this Group One event after contesting the Group Three Prix Daphnis. While his recent form is limited, the long break could mean he arrives fresh and ready to surprise.
The broadcast also includes several other racing stories. Hollie Doyle will discuss Thunder Call’s role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, while Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, will talk about his pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with the mares Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. Additional highlights feature Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ryan Moore’s recent MBE award, and Benvenuto Cellini leading Aidan O’Brien’s quartet in the Epsom Derby.
Charlie Appleby, in superb form, sends a son of Night of Thunder to France seeking his first win since September. The colt, who placed third in the Dewhurst and again in the 2000 Guineas, has been consistently competitive. The race’s form line-up includes Thesecretadversary, who was fifth in the Jersey Stakes, and Venetian Prince, winner of the Italian Derby.
Billy Loughnane’s mount, which narrowed the gap on Gstaad in the Irish 2000 Guineas, could also make a significant impact under the Godolphin colors. Komorebi, after a second‑place finish in the French 2000 Guineas, underperformed when stretched out for the Prix du Jockey Club, finishing tenth. A return to mile distances appears to suit him best, and if he can repeat his earlier mile form, he will be a major contender. Campacite, who was a close runner‑up to Komorebi in the French Derby and chased him home in April, shows promise, especially after a strong showing on Hawk Mountain in his penultimate start.
A repeat of that effort could see him contend for the prize. Lord Clover, lacking the acceleration needed in the German 2000 Guineas, may still pose a threat based on his earlier French form, potentially troubling the field. Closing the card on Sunday at Chepstow, Crimson Road aims to build on his recent victory in the Capital Windscreens Supports Chepstow Centenary Celebrations Handicap. On his fourth start for trainers John and Rhys Flint, he surged clear inside the final furlong and has been given a three‑pound penalty for that win, but is expected to be competitive again.
Pride Of Nepal, despite a disappointing run at Epsom, comes into the race with a string of four consecutive wins, including a dominant course‑and‑distance performance at Chepstow in June that completed a hat‑trick. Carrying the top weight, this gelding trained by Tony Carroll will be looking to match Crimson Road’s recent form and could be a key factor in the final outcome. Overall, the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville promises an exciting blend of proven Group One talent, emerging sprinters, and seasoned campaigners returning from brief absences.
With True Love leading the betting, the race will test whether her speed and versatility can translate into a victory on French soil, or whether one of the other high‑class contenders will seize the day.