This Sunday’s Deauville meeting promises a substantial British presence on a high‑quality card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The atmosphere surrounding the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville feels relaxed yet competitive, with the seasoned Al Aasy set to clash against the promising Arrow Eagle. Al Aasy, the nine‑year‑old veteran trained by William Haggas, has amassed a total of twelve victories since breaking through in 2019. His recent form indicates he remains eager and capable: he captured a win at Beverley in July and then produced a commendable third‑place effort at Goodwood.
Those performances suggest he is ready to be tested at a higher level once again, and the Deauville Group 2 offers the perfect platform. Arrow Eagle, on the other hand, carries a special significance for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget. The colt earned Rouget his final Group 1 triumph when he won the Royal‑Oak last year, and that achievement adds a sentimental edge to his participation. After a lackluster run in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier where he faded in the closing stages, Arrow Eagle may find the conditions at Deauville more suitable and could be poised for a strong comeback.
Also worth watching is Mazzala, an unbeaten four‑year‑old who has already secured a Listed victory and a Group 3 win in his two most recent outings. His unbeaten record makes him a serious threat to the French‑trained Yann Barberot, who will be looking to counter the Italian‑bred youngster’s momentum.
The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will feature a compelling duel between the British pair Into The Sky and Mitbaahy. Into The Sky, a standout from Jim Boyle’s stable, burst onto the scene earlier this spring with a fourth‑place finish behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas.
Although he was unable to replicate that form at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, his recent drop in class and distance, coupled with the guidance of top jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot, makes him a contender worth monitoring. Mitbaahy, meanwhile, has consistently performed at this level.
He showcased his ability by chasing down Symbol Of Honour at Newbury on his penultimate start, and subsequently delivered a close third‑place finish in the Stewards’ Cup, losing by a neck. A repeat of that effort would firmly place him among the leading British entries in the race. Additional British runners to keep an eye on include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of whom have shown enough promise to merit a mention in any betting discussion.
Turning to the feature at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises an exciting showdown among nine competitors, highlighted by the presence of Hypnotised and Adrestia. Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has demonstrated a steady upward trajectory throughout the season. The colt was narrowly denied victory when he finished second at Newbury in his most recent outing.
Carrying an additional three pounds seems a fair adjustment, and under the skilled hands of jockey Lewis Edmunds, he is expected to be among the leading finishers. Kinswomen, a William Haggas‑trained mare, sits just a couple of lengths behind the Charlton runner in the handicap rankings, placing her firmly on the shortlist of potential winners. Adrestia, the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes champion, has not been beaten in a series of competitive summer handicaps. With her official rating set to drop another two pounds, she should be well‑placed to influence the outcome and possibly contend for the win.
Overall, the Deauville card offers a rich tapestry of British talent across a range of distances and classes. From the seasoned Group 2 contender Al Aasy to the unbeaten Mazzala, and from the seasoned sprinter Into The Sky to the reliable Mitbaahy, British connections have multiple opportunities to make an impact. Meanwhile, the Yarmouth handicap adds another layer of intrigue, featuring a blend of rising stars and proven performers.
Viewers can look forward to a day filled with tactical battles, potential upsets, and the ever‑present excitement that comes when British horses travel abroad to test themselves against top European competition.