Weekend Winners: Rayif fancied to take Prix Jacques Le Marois prize at Deauville
Ahead of a busy weekend of action domestically and on the continent, the Weekend Winners trio of Kate Tracey, Declan Rix and Sam Boswell return to preview racing from Newbury, Ripon and Deauville; Watch the episode on the At The Races YouTube channel.
Friday 14 August 2026 13:03, UK
On the latest episode of Weekend Winners, the panel took an in-depth look into Sunday's Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois from Deauville.
Despite defeat at the hands of Blue Bolt last time, Aidan O'Brien's Precise heads the betting for the Group 1 showdown for three-year-olds and over. The yard won the race with Diego Velazquez last term and will be confident of another success here, with Ryan Moore booked to ride.
The British contingent are represented by Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, whilst Sixpence and Strauss fly the flag for Japan. In terms of the home side, Rayif holds strong claims for Francis-Henri Graffard after victory in the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the season.
Declan Rix...
"I'm liking the Francis Henri Graffard-trained Rayif, who will be happier back at a mile than last time [when fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs]. He won the French 2000 Guineas impressively with cut under foot and if he bounces back, on that run he will be a dangerous challenger.
"The drop to seven behind Thesecretadversary was a good run, given he had a setback going into Royal Ascot. He wasn't ideally placed in the race and ran on well and I think there is plenty of pace on offer here. He can sit and stalk the leaders and is overpriced against the older horses here.
Kate Tracey...
"I am with Rayif as well here. I'm hoping he can bounce back to his French 2000 Guineas form. Last time it all went wrong - he was down in trip and in the wrong position. I am hoping he can build on that.
"This is the first race he has had this season in which he has had this target, without any interruptions this time. The surface is quick - which is the opposite of his Guineas win - but connections have said they are wanting better ground so this should be in his favour."
Sam Boswell…
"I thought Precise was interesting in here. She has been a typical Aidan O'Brien three-year-old filly who is battle-hardened and was campaigned strongly this year. We saw her run at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, which she ran creditably in.
"My only concern is the quick turnarounds repeatedly, which it is for her even though she has shown she is good enough to compete at this level. I think she could get the Group One against the boys here."
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