The spotlight at Deauville falls on S1-4, the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois over 1,600 metres. With BOW ECHO surprisingly retired and his great rival GSTAAD absent, what had looked like a clash between Europe’s leading milers has suddenly become a wide-open contest, giving Japan another opportunity to strike on the international stage.
One of the leading European hopes is THESECRETADVERSARY, who arrives in peak form after winning the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat over 1,400 metres. Following the withdrawal of the two headline names, trainer Fozzy Stack decided to keep him in France for the Marois rather than head to York. Proven over straight courses and progressing rapidly, he now looks one of the strongest local contenders.
Japan is represented by SIXPENCE, winner of the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen over 1,600 metres at Tokyo in June. The five-year-old will be partnered by legendary 57-year-old jockey Yutaka Take, who remains convinced of the horse’s quality. There is also a historical precedent: TAIKI SHUTTLE won the Yasuda Kinen before travelling to France and capturing the Prix Jacques le Marois in 1998. Japan will be hoping SIXPENCE can follow the same path.
Another major threat is PRECISE, representing the formidable Aidan O’Brien-Ryan Moore combination. She has already won the Group 1 Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes this season. Although beaten by BLUE BOLT in the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville on her latest start, her top-level ability is firmly established and she remains a serious danger if the race is run at a genuine pace.
With Europe’s two leading names missing, this year’s Prix Jacques le Marois has become one of the most intriguing editions in recent years. THESECRETADVERSARY brings strong home form, SIXPENCE carries Japan’s hopes with Yutaka Take, while PRECISE gives O’Brien and Moore another major chance of Group 1 success.