True Love is set to lead the betting markets for the 2026 edition of the Prix Maurice de Gheert, a Group One sprint that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 3:40 p.m. The focus of today’s Sky Sports Racing feature is the Deauville meeting, where the 1000 Guineas champion will take centre stage in the prestigious French contest. The filly’s most recent run came in the Prix Jean Prat over a mile last month, where she was edged out in a tight finish.
The race was won by Thesecretadversary, a winner of the Jersey Stakes, who managed to out‑finish True Love by a short head. Despite that narrow defeat, True Love’s performance demonstrated that she possesses the speed and stamina required for the 1300‑metre (approximately six‑furlong) test at Deauville. Her victory in the Cheveley Park Stakes over the same distance in September underlines her ability to sustain a high cruising speed, a quality that will be essential in a race that often produces a blistering finish. In addition to her own attributes, True Love’s future as a broodmare will be enhanced by her versatility, making her an even more valuable asset for her connections.
Veteran jockey Wayne Lordan will take the reins for the French venture, stepping in for Ryan Moore who is unavailable for this meeting. Lordan’s experience on both British and Irish turf, combined with his familiarity with the Deauville track, should give him a good platform to extract the maximum from the filly.
The change of rider adds an interesting tactical element, as Lordan may employ a slightly different timing than Moore, potentially altering the race’s early pace. Among the other contenders, Stolen Kiss has shown a marked improvement after being switched back to sprint distances earlier in the season. The colt has now beaten last year’s winner Sajir on two consecutive occasions and produced a very close fourth‑place finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Ascot. While he will be carrying more weight than True Love, his recent form suggests he could still pose a serious threat if he can settle well and unleash his turn of foot in the final furlong under the guidance of trainer Alexis Pouchin.
Wathnan Racing, fresh from a successful campaign at the Goodwood Festival, will be looking to add another victory to its record, this time with William Haggas’ son of Kingman, Division. Division has been close to winning several top‑level sprints this year, finishing second in the Sandy Lane Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, both times behind Venetian Sun. A respectable fifth‑place finish in the July Cup further confirms his consistency at the highest level. The colt’s ability to stay on strongly over six furlongs makes him a genuine contender for the Prix Maurice de Gheest, especially if the pace unfolds in a way that suits his late‑closing style.
Samangan is another horse not to be dismissed lightly. After being beaten narrowly by both Division and True Love in recent outings, the gelding will need to demonstrate a decisive improvement to be in contention. Take Charge Star, representing jockey Johnny Murtagh, also merits consideration.
He was only a neck behind Thesecretadversary, the horse that previously bested True Love in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, indicating that he can match the class required for this Group One event. Returning after a spell since May, Distant Storm will be looking to re‑establish himself following a run in the Group Three Prix Daphnis.
Though his recent form is limited, a fresh sprint distance could suit his profile and provide a surprise factor. The broader racing programme on Sky Sports Racing includes a range of other highlights: Hollie Doyle will discuss Thunder Call’s role in the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascot; Jamie Lynch’s five entries for the Shergar Cup will be previewed; former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle will talk about his pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi; Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be reviewed; and Ryan Moore’s recent MBE award in the King’s Birthday Honours will be celebrated.
In other news, Charlie Appleby has sent a son of Night Of Thunder to France, seeking the first win since September. The colt was third in the Dewhurst and started his season with a third place in the 2000 Guineas, indicating a high level of ability. The race’s form line has been strong, with Thesecretadversary taking the Jersey Stakes and Venetian Prince winning the Italian Derby.
Billy Loughnane’s mount closed the gap on Gstaad in the Irish 2000 Guineas and may continue to progress under the Godolphin banner. Komorebi, who was runner‑up in the French 2000 Guineas before disappointing over a longer trip in the Prix du Jockey Club, appears to have found his optimal distance back at a mile.
If he can replicate his earlier mile performance, he will be a serious threat. Campacite, who was narrowly beaten by Komorebi in the French Derby after a close duel in April, also shows promise, especially after a strong showing on his penultimate start behind Hawk Mountain. Lord Clover lacked the necessary acceleration in the German 2000 Guineas, but his prior French form suggests he could still pose a challenge if the race unfolds favorably. Crimson Road, who finished strongly in the Capital Windscreens Supports Chepstow Centenary Celebrations Handicap, will be looking to repeat that success on the Sunday afternoon at Chepstow.
After being raised 3lb for his previous win, the gelding is expected to be a front‑runner again. Finally, Pride Of Nepal, despite a disappointing run at Epsom, has been in excellent form earlier in the season, winning four consecutive races—including a course‑and‑distance victory at Chepstow in June that completed a hat‑trick. Carrying top weight today, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding will likely give Crimson Road a tough contest.
Overall, the Prix Maurice de Gheest promises an exciting blend of proven Group One talent, emerging sprinters, and seasoned campaigners looking to end their season on a high note. True Love heads the market, but the field is deep enough that any of the well‑form horses could upset the odds, making for a compelling race for both bettors and racing enthusiasts alike.