In the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, the studio panel devoted considerable attention to Sunday’s Prix Jacques Le Marois, a Group 1 contest staged at Deauville and sponsored by Aga Khan Studs. The discussion centered on the form lines, the international field and the tactical possibilities that could shape the outcome of the race for three‑year‑olds and older horses. Even though Aidan O'Brien’s filly Precise was beaten by Blue Bolt in her previous outing, she now leads the betting market for the mile‑long showdown.
O'Brien’s yard has a strong pedigree in this event, having secured victory with Diego Velazquez aboard in the previous season, and the team will be eager to repeat that success. Veteran jockey Ryan Moore has been confirmed as the rider for Precise, adding further confidence to the stable’s prospects. The British contingent will be represented by the colts Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese flag will be flown by Sixpence and Strauss.
On the French side, the most compelling story revolves around Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Rayif earned a decisive win in the French 2000 Guineas earlier this year, a performance that has kept him in the conversation for this mile‑long test. "I’m very fond of Graffard’s Rayif," one of the pundits remarked. "He will be much more comfortable over a mile than he was in his last start, the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs, where he finished fifth.
In the Guineas he showed a brilliant turn of foot, even with a cut under the foot, and if he can rediscover that form he will be a serious threat." The analyst continued, "The dip to seventh place behind Thesecretadversary was actually a respectable effort, especially given the setback he suffered before Royal Ascot. He wasn’t ideally positioned in that race but finished strongly, and there is plenty of pace in this field for him to settle and then challenge the leaders. He is currently over‑priced relative to the older horses on the card." Echoing that sentiment, another commentator added, "I’m also backing Rayif. I think he can bounce back to the level he displayed in the French 2000 Guineas.
The last time he ran he was caught in a poor trip and found himself in the wrong position. If he can avoid those mistakes, he should be able to build on his earlier performance." The panel also highlighted that this will be Rayif’s first run of the season aimed specifically at the Prix Jacques Le Marois, and he will approach it without the interruptions that have plagued his recent campaign. The ground at Deauville is expected to be quick, a contrast to the softer surface that underpinned his Guineas triumph. However, Graffard’s team has indicated a preference for better ground, suggesting that the quicker going could actually suit Rayif’s speed‑type profile.
In addition to the French and British runners, the discussion turned to the Japanese entries. Sixpence, a colt with a strong record on turf in Japan, and Strauss, another mile specialist, will test the European horses on a surface that can favor tactical speed. Their connections are hopeful that the international flavor of the race will produce a surprise winner. The conversation then shifted to Aidan O'Brien’s Precise.
"She is a classic O’Brien three‑year‑old filly—battle‑hardened and well‑campaigned this year," noted a commentator. "She ran creditably behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, showing she can handle the track and the pace. My only reservation is the rapid turnaround between her races; she’s had to travel and race frequently, which can take a toll. Still, she possesses the class to take on the older colts and win a Group One here." Other headlines from the racing world were mentioned in passing, including Hollie Doyle’s expectations for Thunder Call at the Shergar Cup, Kevin Doyle’s former‑footballer‑turned‑jockey ambitions at the Cheltenham Festival, and Ryan Moore’s recent receipt of an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
These items underscored the breadth of stories that Weekend Winners covers beyond the single race. The panel wrapped up by reminding viewers that all the latest racing news, in‑depth interviews and feature pieces are available on mobile platforms, encouraging fans to stay connected.
They also promoted the full episode of Weekend Winners, which can be streamed on the At The Races YouTube channel, providing a comprehensive recap of the Deauville meeting and a preview of the tactical battles likely to unfold in the Prix Jacques Le Marois. In summary, the race promises a compelling mix of seasoned older horses, promising three‑year‑olds, and international talent. Precise will look to convert her betting favourite status into a victory, while Rayif aims to translate his Guineas brilliance onto the Deauville track.
The Japanese entrants add an extra layer of intrigue, and the quick ground may favour horses with a turn of foot. As the field lines up, punters and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see which of these well‑matched competitors can seize the coveted Prix Jacques Le Marois trophy.