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 at Deauville, a premier Group 1 contest for three‑year‑olds and older horses. The race, a highlight of the French summer racing calendar, attracted a strong international field and generated plenty of debate among the analysts. Even though Aidan O'Brien’s Precise was beaten by Blue Bolt in her previous outing, she entered the betting as the favourite for the mile‑long showdown.
O'Brien’s stable had enjoyed success in the same race the previous year when Diego Velázquez rode one of his runners to victory, so confidence was high that the Irish trainer could repeat the feat. Veteran jockey Ryan Moore was confirmed as the rider for Precise, adding further weight to the market’s optimism. The British contingent was represented by two promising colts: Zeus Olympios and More Thunder.
Both had shown form earlier in the season and were expected to challenge for a place in the finish. From Japan, the field featured Sixpence and Strauss, two horses that had already proved themselves at the highest level in their home jurisdiction and were eager to test themselves on French turf. Among the home‑trained runners, the most compelling storyline centred on Rayif, a Francis‑Henri Graffard‑trained colt who had captured the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the year. After that impressive win, Rayif became a leading candidate for the Prix Jacques Le Marois, especially given his demonstrated ability over a mile.
The panelist who championed Rayif argued that the horse would be more comfortable returning to a mile distance after a disappointing run over seven furlongs in the Prix Jean Prat, where he finished fifth. "He won the French 2000 Guineas impressively despite a cut under the foot, and if he can bounce back to that level he will be a dangerous challenger," the analyst said. The commentator also noted that Rayif’s recent performance over seven furlongs – a race in which he was dropped to a distance of seven furlongs behind Thesecretadversary – was encouraging. "The drop to seven was a good run, especially after the setback he suffered heading into Royal Ascot.
He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but he finished strongly, showing plenty of pace. He can sit just behind the leaders and is perhaps undervalued against the older horses in this field," the pundit added. Further support for Rayif came from another panel member who believed the colt could recapture the form that saw him dominate the Guineas. "I am with Rayif as well.
I hope he can bounce back to his French 2000 Guineas performance. The last time he ran he was down in trip and in the wrong position. If he can correct those mistakes, he could be a serious threat," the expert explained. The discussion then turned to the race conditions.
The surface at Deauville was described as quick, which contrasted with the softer ground that had been in place for Rayif’s Guineas triumph. However, Graffard’s connections had indicated a preference for better ground, suggesting that the quicker turf might actually suit the colt’s running style. "This is the first race he has had this season without any interruptions, and the surface is quick – the opposite of his Guineas win – but his team has said they would like better ground, so this should be in his favour," the analyst concluded.
Beyond the main race, the broadcast highlighted several other racing stories. Hollie Doyle was quoted saying that Thunder Call would have a role to play in the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascant, which will be aired live on Sky Sports Racing. Jamie Lynch’s five horses were flagged as ones to watch at the same event, where international stars will clash.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle was mentioned as an aspiring owner targeting Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. In other news from Ascot, Kalpana defeated Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. The Derby preview noted that Benvenuto Cellini would lead a four‑strong Aidan O'Brien team for the Epsom Classic, underscoring the trainer’s continued dominance in top‑level races.
The panel also offered thoughts on Precise, O'Brien’s three‑year‑old filly, describing her as a typical battle‑hardened O'Brien youngster who had been campaigned aggressively throughout the season. She had previously run creditably behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, and the analyst believed she possessed the talent to take on the older males in the Prix Jacques Le Marois. The only reservation expressed was the rapid turnaround between her recent runs, which could test her stamina, yet confidence remained that she could compete at Group One level. Listeners were reminded to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features via their mobile devices, and to watch the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel.
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