In the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, the studio panel devoted considerable time to dissecting Sunday’s Prix Jacques Le Marois, a Group 1 contest run at Deauville under the banner of the Aga Khan Studs. The discussion centered on the field of three‑year‑olds and older horses, the form of the contenders, and the tactical scenarios that could decide the race. Aidan O'Brien’s filly Precise entered the betting as the favourite despite having been beaten by Blue Bolt in their previous encounter. The Irish trainer’s record in the race is strong – he captured the prize last year with Diego Velázquez aboard – and confidence was high that the stable could repeat the achievement.
Ryan Moore was slated to take the ride, adding another layer of experience to the mount. The British representation comprised Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese colours were carried by Sixpence and Strauss.
On the French side, the most compelling story revolved around Rayif, a Francis‑Henri Graffard‑trained colt who had earlier in the season won the French 2000 Guineas in impressive fashion. The win, achieved with a cut‑under‑foot finish, marked Rayif as a serious contender for the mile‑long Deauville test. One of the panelists expressed a clear preference for Rayif, noting that the colt would be more comfortable returning to a mile after his previous attempt at seven furlongs in the Prix Jean Prat, where he finished fifth.
"He was a little out of his depth over the shorter trip and seemed unsettled," the commentator said. "If he can rediscover the sharpness he displayed in the Guineas, he will be a dangerous challenger." The same analyst highlighted the recent performance of Thesecretadversary, who had dropped back to seven furlongs and produced a solid run despite a setback before Royal Ascot. "He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but showed plenty of stamina and turn of foot," the pundit added.
"He can sit just behind the leaders and has the speed to take the lead when the time is right. At the moment he appears to be priced too high against the older horses." Turning back to Rayif, the panelist reiterated his belief that the French colt could bounce back to his Guineas form.
"Last time he was caught in a bad trip and found himself too far back. If he gets a clean ride and can settle, there is no reason he cannot replicate that brilliant performance," the expert argued. The consensus was that Rayif’s connections were aiming for a race where the ground would suit him. Although his Guineas win came on softer turf, the Deauville surface is expected to be quick, a condition the trainer has indicated would be preferable for the horse.
In a separate segment, the show highlighted other racing news. Hollie Doyle discussed the role of Thunder Call in the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, was featured for his ambition to achieve Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. The program also recapped Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and announced that legendary jockey Ryan Moore had been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. The panel turned its attention back to the Prix Jacques Le Marois, focusing on the potential of Precise. "She is a classic O’Brien three‑year‑old filly – battle‑hardened and well‑raced this season," one commentator observed.
"She ran creditably at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, showing she can handle the course. My only worry is the rapid turnaround between races, but she has proven she can compete at the highest level.
I think she has a real chance of taking the Group One against the colts." The show concluded by reminding viewers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing stories, interviews, and feature pieces via the Sky Sports Racing app. It also promoted the full episode of Weekend Winners, now available on the At The Races YouTube channel, encouraging fans to watch the in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary that accompany each major race weekend. Overall, the consensus among the experts was that the Prix Jacques Le Marois promises a thrilling contest, with a blend of proven Group One performers and rising talent. Rayif, buoyed by his Guineas triumph and a favourable mile distance, stands out as a strong candidate to challenge the favourites.
Precise, with her O’Brien pedigree and recent solid form, cannot be dismissed, while the British and Japanese entries add further intrigue. As the horses line up at Deauville, racing enthusiasts can expect a high‑tempo, tactical battle that will test speed, stamina, and the strategic acumen of both jockeys and trainers.