The upcoming Sunday meeting at Deauville promises a substantial British presence on a high‑quality card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The atmosphere at the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville feels open and inviting, setting the stage for a compelling duel between Al Aasy and Arrow Eagle. Al Aasy, the seasoned nine‑year‑old trained by William Haggas, has amassed twelve victories since breaking onto the scene in 2019.
This veteran has consistently demonstrated a keen enthusiasm for racing, most recently securing a win at Beverley in July and delivering a solid third‑place effort at Goodwood. Those performances indicate that he is ready to be tested at a higher level once again, and the Deauville contest offers the perfect opportunity for him to prove his staying power against tougher opposition. Opposite him, Arrow Eagle carries a special significance for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget, as the horse represents the final Group 1 triumph in Rouget’s illustrious career, having captured the Royal‑Oak last year.
Arrow Eagle’s recent form was a touch underwhelming, as he faded in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, but the lighter weight and a fresh start at Deauville could allow him to rediscover the form that made him a top‑class performer. Adding further intrigue to the day’s lineup is Mazzala, an unbeaten four‑time winner who has already claimed a Listed victory and a Group 3 success in his last two starts. The colt’s upward trajectory makes him a serious threat to the French‑trained Yann Barberot, and his presence adds depth to the field, promising a lively contest for the win. The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will also showcase a strong British contingent, with Into The Sky and Mitbaahy representing the United Kingdom.
Jim Boyle’s Into The Sky made a dazzling return to the track this spring, finishing fourth behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas. Although he was unable to replicate that form at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, his connections believe a step down in distance and class, under the expert guidance of top jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot, could bring out his best. Mitbaahy, meanwhile, has proven himself a reliable competitor at this level.
He delivered a commendable chase home of Symbol Of Honour at Newbury in his penultimate outing and followed that with a neck‑third in the Stewards’ Cup, a performance that underscored his consistency. A repeat of that effort would firmly place him among the leading British prospects in the race. Other British runners worth watching include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of whom have shown promise in recent outings and could add further excitement to the Deauville program.
Turning to the Yarmouth meeting, the feature race – the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap – looks set to be a true test of stamina and class. The field of nine includes the highly regarded Hypnotised and the talented Adrestia, both of whom bring strong credentials to the contest.
Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has been on a steady upward trajectory. The horse was narrowly denied victory when finishing second at Newbury in his most recent start. Carrying an additional three pounds seems a fair adjustment, and under the skilled hands of jockey Lewis Edmunds, Hypnotised should be in contention for the win.
William Haggas’s Kinswoman also appears to have a realistic chance, sitting just a couple of lengths behind the Charlton runner. The close margins suggest that she will be a key figure in the final sprint, making the race even more unpredictable.
Adrestia, the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes winner, has not been beaten in a series of hot summer handicaps. With her rating set to drop another two pounds, she is likely to be fully involved in the finishing run, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive field.
Overall, the Deauville card offers a rich tapestry of British talent across a range of distances and classes. From seasoned veterans like Al Aasy looking to reaffirm their class, to rising stars such as Mazzala and Mitbaahy eager to make a name for themselves, the day promises plenty of drama and high‑quality racing. Meanwhile, the Yarmouth handicap provides a platform for proven performers like Hypnotised and Adrestia to showcase their stamina and tactical speed. With Sky Sports Racing delivering live coverage, fans will have front‑row seats to all the action, making this a must‑watch weekend for anyone interested in the latest developments in British and European flat racing.