In the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, the discussion panel devoted considerable time to dissecting Sunday’s Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois, the prestigious Group 1 contest held at Deauville. The race, which is open to three‑year‑olds and older horses, attracted a strong field and sparked a lively debate among the experts. Even though Aidan O'Brien’s filly Precise was beaten by Blue Bolt in her previous outing, she entered the betting as the favourite for the Deauville showdown. O'Brien’s stable had enjoyed success in the race not long ago, with Diego Velázquez piloting a winner in the previous season, so confidence was high that the yard could repeat the feat.
Veteran jockey Ryan Moore was confirmed as the rider for Precise, adding further weight to her odds. The British representation in the field comprised Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese colours were carried by Sixpence and Strauss.
Among the home‑trained runners, Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, emerged as a compelling contender after his impressive victory in the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the campaign. One of the panelists summed up his view on Rayif: “I’m very fond of the Graffard‑trained Rayif.
He’ll be more at home over a mile than he was in his last run, where he finished fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs. His Guineas win was dominant, even though he was carrying a cut on his foot.
If he can bounce back from that setback, he will be a serious threat.” He continued, “The seven‑length defeat to Thesecretadversary was respectable, especially given the horse’s recent setback before Royal Ascot. He wasn’t ideally positioned in that race but showed plenty of stamina in the finish. There’s ample pace in this field, and he can sit just behind the leaders and still be competitive.
At the moment he is slightly overpriced against the older horses, but his class is evident.” Another commentator echoed the sentiment, adding, “I’m also backing Rayif. I hope he can recapture the form that made him a Guineas winner. In his last run he was trapped in traffic and found himself in the wrong position. If he can settle and find a clear run, he could very well build on his earlier triumph.” The discussion then shifted to the race conditions.
The panel noted that this would be Rayif’s first start of the season aimed at a Group 1 target, and unlike his Guineas win on softer ground, the Deauville track is expected to be quick. Graffard’s team, however, have indicated a preference for better ground, suggesting that the horse may handle the faster surface more comfortably than anticipated. The segment also touched on other storylines surrounding the meeting.
Hollie Doyle was quoted as saying that Thunder Call could play a pivotal role in the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Meanwhile, Jamie Lynch highlighted five of his horses that he believes will be worth watching at the same meeting, as international stars clash. In a separate note, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle revealed his ambition to chase Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, underscoring the cross‑sport appeal of horse racing.
At Ascot, Kalpana defeated Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a result that added further intrigue to the day’s program. The panel also celebrated the recent honour bestowed upon legendary jockey Ryan Moore, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his outstanding contributions to the sport. Looking ahead to the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini was identified as the leading contender among Aidan O'Brien’s four‑strong entry for the Epsom Classic, reinforcing O'Brien’s dominance across the season’s marquee events.
Returning to Precise, one analyst observed, “She is an archetypal O'Brien three‑year‑old filly—battle‑hardened and well‑run throughout the year. We saw her contest Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, where she performed creditably. My only reservation is the rapid turnaround between races, which can be demanding even for a horse of her calibre.
Nonetheless, I think she has the ability to take on the older colts and fillies in this Group One.” The conversation wrapped up with a reminder to viewers that the full Weekend Winners programme is available on the At The Races YouTube channel, and that Sky Sports Racing continues to provide the latest racing news, interviews, and features for fans on the go. The panel encouraged listeners to stay tuned for further analysis and updates as the Prix Jacques Le Marois approaches, promising an exciting contest that could reshape the European miler landscape.