As attentions turn towards the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe build-up now, we reflect on an enjoyable month of racing at Deauville’s summer meeting and some of the stars we enjoyed on the Normandy coast:
Raabihah
Jean-Claude Rouget’s 2020 Arc 5th finally returned to winning ways in the Prix de Pomone over an adequate distance. She struggled to find her top gear over 10 furlongs at Clairefontaine, but those who kept the faith were rewarded with a generous SP of 10/3. Her next target is the Group One Prix Vermeille – if she runs well in that it will be back to the Arc. Her acceleration is her strong suit.
That's more like it, Raabihah! @ShadwellStud's filly returns to the form that saw her fifth in the Arc with victory in a messy Group 2 Prix de Pomone for @cristiandemuro and Jean-Claude Rouget at @fgdeauville pic.twitter.com/HjRNmV0cD9
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 22, 2021
Marianafoot
Palace Pier might have been the start turn in Normandy this month on ratings, but Marianafoot is a huge credit to trainer Jerome Reynier in recording his eight win on the spin – and his first at the top level in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. The trip was perfect and Reynier stayed true to his ‘straight track jockey’, Mickael Barzalona, as discussed with Race Sharp this spring. He was off Starman, Tropbeau, Kinross and Brando and now heads to the Prix de la Foret.
Ultra impressive 🚀
Winning machine MARIANAFOOT bounds clear to win the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest in some style!
Starman in 3rd and Brando in 4th run with great credit. pic.twitter.com/WveLMCuxGn
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) August 8, 2021
Wally
Another Rouget ace is Wally, who beat Monty in the Prix Gontaut-Biron with a 2kg penalty. He might be worth a try in a weak Group One but would struggle one feels if they do point for Hong Kong. He may be seen next in the Prix Dollar, perhaps more winnable if Skalleti warms up for Ascot in the Prix Foy next month.
Maiden Winners
The Marettes and the Crevecœur are the two coveted maidens in August but it is worth noting that last year the two best fillies finished at the back of the Marettes – Incarville and Sweet Lady. Crevecœur winner Welwal is by Shalaa and follows the same path as the stable’s Poulains winner Olmedo.
[LIVE🔴] #R1C2 @fgdeauville Hipodromo de Gàvea/Px de Crèvecœur (2ans inédits, 1 500m) 🏁 3-2-5-9. Belle impression laissée par 🥇 #Welwal (Shalaa) @AlShaqabRacing et 🥈 #BlueBoat (Frankel) @JuddmonteFarms dans cette importante course de débutants. Les pouliches next ! pic.twitter.com/zV0ERZfKwT
— France Galop (@francegalop) August 8, 2021
If the picture for the colts is undecided, the fillies’ Marettes resulted in a more emphatic winner for Juddmonte’s Raclette. The tracking technology is still a work in progress but her split of 10.99s is better than anything covered by Marianafoot! She could end up being a warm order for the Prix Marcel Boussac.
Tasty! Frankel filly Raclette is out of a four-time G1 winner and makes an eye-catching winning debut for André Fabre, @mickaelbarzalon and @JuddmonteFarms at @fgdeauville… pic.twitter.com/aAz1f6zTJQ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 8, 2021
Elsewhere, Race Sharp readers have known for a while that Mangoustine is the best juvenile in the care of Frederic Rossi and she made a winning debut in the Prix de la Reboursiere. The daughter of Dark Angel looks a smart prospect with excellent acceleration, though she may not get much further than a mile.
Next time out
Valia
Only third in the Prix de Pomone, Valia suffered an incident in the stalls and ran a lifeless race. She was beaten at Deauville last year though and it could still pay to follow her on her next start in the Group One Royallieu. It’s a race the owner Aga Khan has won 8 times.
Know Thyself
This Galileo filly was fourth to Mangoustine and did not get the clearest of runs. She looks a good thing for a maiden next time.
Subahiyah
Raclette will be popular in the Marcel Boussac if lining up, but those looking for an each-way alternative might be able to back Rouget’s Subahiyah, who was unfavoured by the draw in 15.
Blue Boat
Not everyone is convinced about the Shalaas and if looking to oppose Welwal in the future, he might face the Frankels who finished behind him on debut. The runner-up Blue Boat could turn out better in time and has to be followed very closely.