Preview: Deauville.
Deauville hosts the final meetings of the 2022 Normandy Summer Festival this weekend with the feature event being the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville (2500m) on Sunday for three-year-olds and above. We preview the big races.
This Sunday after one-month of elite flat racing, the curtain comes down on the Deauville Summer Festival with the running of the Grand Prix de Deauville (G2) complemented by two Group Three contests and a strong supporting programme.
Considered a trial for the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe (G1), this years' field is headed by Botanik. This André Fabre trained horse loves to bowl along and set the pace. Given how the Deauville track has been riding this August, he may prove hard to run down if these tactics are applied from out front. He won the Prix de Reux (G3) over course and distance earlier this month.
Jean-Clause Rouget is represented with last's years' winner Glycon who will be fitter for two runs back from a spell placing in both. Last time he was defeated by three-quarters of a length behind Botanik in the Prix de Reux. Against this small field, he can race close to the lead and have the last crack at Botanik.
The Japanese horse Stay Foolish arrives with good credentials having won the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) over 3200m in March following success at Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) before failing in a G1 in his homeland.
Other races on the programme include the Prix Quincey (G3) over 1600m which will see Tempus, a last start G3 winner over 1600m at Salisbury (UK) carrying a 2kg weight penalty pitted against the front running Longvillers who is a last start G3 placegetter at Chantilly, also over 1600m. Recent 1600m Listed winners Kennella, Reshbar and In Crowd must also be considered.
British based trainer Jayne Chappel-Hyam tasted Deauville G1 success earlier in the month winning the Prix Rothschild with Saffron Beach. Now she races last start G3 placed Internationalangel. This mare is placed over 1600m in the past.
The Prix du Meautry is a 1200m Group Three for sprinters. Supplemented last start course and distance winner Rose Premium comes into the race with an excellent chance. She is progressive and receives a filly's weight allowance against her rivals. Miramar ran a strong race in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) whilst Lovamour is returning to her native country following two runs in the United States. She was G3 placed at Chantilly last September.
