In the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, the discussion panel turned its focus to the upcoming Prix Jacques Le Marois, a Group 1 contest held at Deauville and sponsored by the Aga Khan Studs. The race, scheduled for Sunday, pits three‑year‑olds and older horses over a mile, and it has already generated a lively betting market.
Aidan O'Brien’s filly Precise entered the race as the market favourite despite having been beaten by Blue Bolt in her previous outing. The Irish trainer, who celebrated a victory in the same event last year with Diego Velazquez aboard, is confident that his stable can repeat the achievement. Veteran jockey Ryan Moore has been confirmed as the rider for Precise, adding further weight to her odds.
The British side of the field includes Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese contingent is represented by Sixpence and Strauss. Among the French runners, Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, stands out after his impressive win in the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the season.
Graffard expressed his optimism about Rayif, noting that the colt should be more comfortable at the mile distance after a disappointing fifth‑place finish over seven furlongs in the Prix Jean Prat. "He won the French 2000 Guineas with a clear cut under his feet, and if he can recapture that form he will be a serious threat," the trainer said.
He added that the horse’s previous race, a seventh‑place finish behind Thesecretadversary, was a respectable effort given a recent setback before Royal Ascot. "He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but he finished strongly, and there is plenty of pace in this field.
He can sit just behind the leaders and is currently undervalued against the older horses." Graffard reiterated his belief in Rayif, hoping the colt can bounce back to his Guineas‑winning level. "Last time everything went wrong – he was down the stretch and in the wrong position. I expect him to improve on that performance," he said.
The race will be run on a quick surface, a contrast to the softer ground that helped Rayif in his Guineas triumph. Graffard believes the firmer turf could actually suit his horse, as his connections have indicated a preference for better ground. "This is the first race he has had this season with this specific target and without any interruptions.
The quicker ground should be in his favour," he explained. Other storylines featured in the broadcast included a post‑race interview with John Gosden, who blamed the soft ground for Ombudsman’s defeat in the Juddmonte International at York, and a preview of Kalpana’s chances in the Yorkshire Oaks by jockey Hollie Doyle. The program also highlighted Kevin Blake’s tips for the Ebor Festival and previewed upcoming Sky Sports Racing coverage from Lingfield Park and Newcastle.
In a separate segment, the panel discussed Precise’s prospects. One commentator noted, "She is a typical O'Brien three‑year‑old filly – battle‑hardened and well‑campaigned this year.
She ran creditably at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, and I think she has the class to take on the older horses here." The only reservation expressed was the rapid turnaround between races, which could test the filly’s resilience despite her proven ability at the highest level. The episode concluded with a reminder to viewers that they can watch the full Weekend Winners program on the At The Races YouTube channel, and an invitation to stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories via the Sky Sports Racing app. Overall, the Prix Jacques Le Marois promises a thrilling showdown: a blend of seasoned veterans, promising three‑year‑olds, and international talent converging on a fast mile at Deauville. With Precise leading the betting, Rayif offering a strong French challenge, and several high‑profile horses from Britain and Japan in the mix, the race is set to deliver both tactical intrigue and a showcase of top‑class thoroughbred talent.