In the most recent installment of the Weekend Winners programme, the discussion panel devoted considerable attention to Sunday’s Prix Jacques Le Marois, a Group 1 contest run by the Aga Khan Studs at Deauville. The race, which is open to three‑year‑olds and older, has long been a highlight of the European summer calendar, and this year’s edition promised a blend of proven talent and emerging promise. Although Aidan O’Brien’s filly Precise was beaten by Blue Bolt in her previous outing, she entered the betting as the favourite for the Deauville showdown. O’Brien’s stable, which captured the race last year with Diego Velázquez aboard, will be eager to repeat that success, and veteran jockey Ryan Moore has been confirmed as the rider for Precise.
The confidence surrounding the Irish yard is palpable, given its recent track record in top‑level mile races. The British contingent will be represented by Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, while the Japanese colours will be carried by Sixpence and Strauss.
On the French side, the most compelling storyline revolves around Rayif, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Rayif earned a dominant victory in the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the season, a performance that has many pundits believing the colt is ideally suited to the mile at Deauville. One analyst summed up his view of Rayif: “I’m favouring Graffard’s Rayif.
He’ll be much more comfortable over a mile than he was last time when he finished fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs. He won the French 2000 Guineas impressively, even with a cut under the foot, and if he can recapture that form he will be a serious threat.” The commentator went on to note that Rayif’s recent run over seven furlongs – a respectable effort given a setback before Royal Ascot – demonstrated that the colt possesses ample turn of foot.
“He wasn’t ideally placed in that race but finished strongly, and there’s plenty of pace in this field. He can sit just behind the leaders and still be competitive, and I think he is undervalued against the older horses here.” Further support for Rayif came from another voice on the panel: “I’m also backing Rayif. I hope he can bounce back to the level he displayed in the Guineas.
The last time he ran he was down the stretch and in the wrong position. If he can correct that, he should be able to build on his earlier performance.” The panel also highlighted that this will be Rayif’s first start of the season aimed at a Group 1 mile, and that he will be fresh, having avoided any intervening races.
The surface at Deauville is expected to be quick, which contrasts with the softer ground that underpinned his Guineas win. However, Graffard’s team has indicated a preference for better ground, suggesting that the conditions could actually play to Rayif’s advantage.
Beyond the main contenders, the broadcast covered a range of other stories from the weekend’s racing calendar. In York, Daiquiri Bay held off a strong field to claim a thrilling victory in the Ebor Handicap on the Knavesmire.
Meanwhile, Notable Speech, trained by Charlie Appleby, produced a sparkling performance in the City of York Stakes. Sky Sports Racing’s Kevin Blake offered his Ebor Festival tips, highlighting three selections he believes will excel on day four of the meeting. The round‑up also remembered Asfoora’s emotional retirement after a memorable campaign on the Knavesmire, and recapped the action from the Nunthorpe Stakes, where Bacio surged ahead to win, while Arapaho Gold secured the Gimcrack Stakes.
Hollie Doyle’s comments on the Ebor highlighted the excellent condition of the Klassleader, noting that the horse appeared well‑treated and ready for the challenges ahead. Turning back to the Prix Jacques Le Marois, one commentator praised Precise’s credentials: “She’s a classic Aidan O’Brien three‑year‑old filly – battle‑hardened and campaigned aggressively this year. We saw her put in a creditable effort at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, and she has the class to compete at the highest level.” The only reservation expressed was about the rapid turnaround between races, a factor that could test even a horse of Precise’s calibre. Nonetheless, the sentiment was that she could very well take on the colts and older horses and emerge victorious.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature pieces, the programme reminded listeners to follow Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices. The segment concluded by inviting viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, ensuring that anyone interested can catch every insight, analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes commentary from this action‑packed weekend of racing.