In the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, the discussion panel devoted considerable time to analysing Sunday’s Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville, a race sponsored by the Aga Khan Studs. The focus was on the Group 1 contest for three‑year‑olds and older horses, a race that often decides the season’s top miler.
Even though Aidan O’Brien’s Precise was beaten by Blue Bolt in their previous encounter, the Irish trainer’s stable still commands the market favourite position for this meeting. O’Brien’s yard claimed the race not long ago when Diego Velázquez rode a winner in the previous season, and confidence is high that they can repeat the feat. Veteran jockey Ryan Moore has been confirmed as the rider for Precise, adding further weight to the betting odds.
The British representation will come from Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese colours will be carried by Sixpence and Strauss. On the French side, the most compelling story revolves around Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Rayif earned a decisive win in the French 2000 Guineas earlier this year, and his connections see the mile‑long Prix Jacques Le Marois as an ideal platform to showcase his talent once again. "I’m favouring Graffard’s Rayif," one commentator explained.
"He should be more comfortable over a mile than he was in his last run, where he finished fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs. The French 2000 Guineas was won impressively, even with a cut on his foot, and if he can rebound to that level of performance, he will be a serious threat." The pundit continued, "The drop‑in distance to seven furlongs behind Thesecretadversary was a solid effort, especially after a setback leading up to Royal Ascot. He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but finished strongly, showing he still has plenty of speed.
He can sit just behind the leaders and is currently over‑valued when matched against the older horses here." He added a second endorsement for Rayif: "I’m backing Rayif as well. I hope he can recapture the form he displayed in the French 2000 Guineas.
Last time things went wrong – he was boxed in and in the wrong position. If he can correct those mistakes, he should be able to build on his earlier success." The panel also reminded viewers that the race will be broadcast across multiple platforms, encouraging fans to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their mobile devices. Another expert weighed in on the ground conditions, noting that this will be Rayif’s first start of the season with a clear target and without any interruptions.
"The surface is expected to be quick, which is the opposite of the softer ground that helped him in the Guineas. However, his connections have indicated they prefer firmer ground, so this should suit him," the analyst said. In related news, Hollie Doyle commented that the conditions at Deauville could benefit a French filly in the Nunthorpe Stakes, while Sky Sports Racing’s Kevin Blake offered his picks for the Ebor Festival, highlighting a 33/1 outsider for the Nunthorpe on day three. Kalpana’s courageous performance in the Yorkshire Oaks was also celebrated, as she managed to hold off Sparan Nua on the second day of the Ebor meeting.
A separate roundup covered Aidan O’Brien’s disappointment with the ground at York, which he blamed for Ombudsman’s loss in the Juddmonte International. Doyle again praised Kalpana’s chances in the Yorkshire Oaks, suggesting she could dominate her rivals. The discussion then turned back to Precise. "I thought Precise was an interesting prospect here," a commentator observed.
"She is a classic O’Brien three‑year‑old filly, battle‑hardened and well‑run this season. We saw her at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, where she performed creditably." The only reservation expressed was about the rapid turnaround between races, a factor that could affect her performance despite her proven ability at the highest level. "My only concern is the quick turnarounds repeatedly, which is a challenge for her even though she has shown she can compete at this level. I think she could still take on the Group One against the older horses here," the analyst concluded.
Fans are encouraged to watch the full Weekend Winners program on the At The Races YouTube channel, where they can catch all the expert analysis, interviews and race previews leading up to the Prix Jacques Le Marois. The episode promises to deliver comprehensive insight into the form lines, tactical considerations and the likely impact of the day’s going on each contender, ensuring that viewers are well‑armed with knowledge before the race begins.