In the most recent installment of Weekend Winners, the discussion panel devoted considerable attention to Sunday’s Prix Jacques Le Marois, a Group 1 contest hosted by the Aga Khan Studs at Deauville. The race, which is open to three‑year‑olds and older horses, has become a key fixture on the European summer calendar, and the experts dissected each contender’s chances in detail. 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 at Deauville is strong; he captured the same race last season with Diego Velázquez aboard, and he will be eager to repeat that success.
The stable has already confirmed that veteran jockey Ryan Moore will take the mount, adding a further layer of confidence to the stable’s prospects. The British contingent will be represented by Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese colours will be flown by Sixpence and Strauss. On the home side, the most compelling story revolves around Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Rayif earned a commanding victory in the French 2,000 Guineas earlier this year, and his connections believe the mile‑long Prix Jacques Le Marois suits him perfectly after a less impressive showing over seven furlongs in the Prix Jean Prat.
One of the panelists summed up his view of Rayif: “I’m very fond of the Graffard‑trained Rayif. He will be much more comfortable back over a mile than he was when he finished fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs. He won the French 2,000 Guineas with a decisive finish despite a cut on his foot, and if he can replicate that performance, he will be a serious threat.” The same commentator continued, noting the form of the other French runner, Thesecretadversary: “The drop‑in to seven furlongs behind Thesecretadversary was a solid effort, especially given the horse suffered a setback before Royal Ascot. He wasn’t ideally positioned in that race but finished strongly, and there is plenty of pace available here.
He can sit just off the leaders and is currently priced too cheaply against the older horses.” He reiterated his support for Rayif, adding, “I’m also backing Rayif. I hope he can rediscover the form that saw him dominate the French Guineas. In his last outing he was caught in a poor trip and found himself in the wrong position. If he can correct those tactical errors, he should be able to build on his earlier success.” The panel also highlighted that this will be Rayif’s first start of the season with a clear, uninterrupted target.
The ground at Deauville is expected to be quick, a condition that contrasts with the softer turf that helped him on Guineas day. However, Graffard’s team has indicated a preference for firmer footing, which they believe will play to Rayif’s strengths.
In addition to the French entries, the show will feature a strong contingent from the United Kingdom. Zeus Olympios, a well‑bred colt with a solid record over middle distances, and More Thunder, a versatile runner who has shown a turn of foot in recent outings, will both aim to make an impact.
Their jockeys are expected to employ patient tactics, allowing the horses to settle before making a decisive move in the final stages. From Japan, Sixpence and Strauss bring an international flavor to the race.
Both have performed admirably on the Asian circuit and have been acclimatised to European conditions over the past few weeks. Their trainers have spoken of the importance of a clean trip and a firm surface, both of which should be present at Deauville.
The discussion also turned to the broader context of the race within the season’s campaign. A win in the Prix Jacques Le Marois often serves as a springboard to autumn’s biggest mile contests, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Consequently, owners and trainers are keen to secure a victory that can enhance a horse’s breeding value and cement its reputation on the world stage. Turning to the Irish entry, Precise, the panelist noted, “She is a classic example of an O’Brien three‑year‑old filly—tough, battle‑hardened, and consistently campaigned at a high level this year.
She ran creditably behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, showing that she can handle the fast ground and the pressure of a Group 1 field.” However, concerns were raised about the quick turnaround between her recent races. “My only worry is the rapid succession of runs,” the expert said. “Even though she has proved she can compete at this level, the schedule could be demanding.
Still, I think she has the class to take on the colts and older horses here.” The panel also mentioned other racing news that will appear later in the broadcast, such as Hollie Doyle’s thoughts on Kalpana’s chances in the Yorkshire Oaks, and Kevin Blake’s tips for the Ebor Festival at York. Viewers are reminded that the full Weekend Winners programme will be streamed on the At The Races YouTube channel, where they can catch all the in‑depth analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes commentary. In summary, the Prix Jacques Le Marois promises a thrilling clash of international talent. With Rayif aiming to bounce back to his Guineas‑winning form, Precise looking to prove she can overcome a recent defeat, and a host of seasoned British and Japanese runners eager to make their mark, the race is set to deliver high‑octane excitement for racing enthusiasts worldwide.