2.40 Deauville
Prix D'Astarte (Fillies Group 1) (3YO plus)
Winner €206,491
Elusive Wave: Ran a good second to Goldikova in this last year (after having taken the French 1,000 Guineas, and coming fourth in the Coronation Stakes; got blocked) ; Has proved disappointing since refusing to race in the Prix Du Moulin and needs a lot more.
Fabiana: Only just got beaten by Penny’s Gift in the German 1,000 Guineas last year but didn’t really go on from that, and hasn’t won since; All those runs in lower company and will do well to get seriously involved.
Goldikova: Nine time Group 1 winner who had arguably her best season ever last summer, winning the Falmouth before going on to trash high class fields, (including this race last year) before romping the Prix Jacques Le Marois, putting up 2 of the best milling performances seen in years in process; Impressive on her reappearance run in Prix D'Ishphan, and even better when beating off numerous high class sorts in the Queen Anne last time; This field contains nothing of that class and would be shock if she was beaten.
Only Green: Actually holds some pretty high class form in her own right (came fifth in the Breeder’s Cup filly and mare sprint last November) but not likely to cut much ice as likely pacemaker for Goldikova.
Music Show: Was very progressive as a 2 year old, winning 3 out of her four starts including the Rockfel Stakes and confirmed that promise when giving weight and a beating to Blue Maiden in the Nell Gwyn on reappearance; Was desperately unlucky to finish sixth in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket considering that she fairly thrashed her side, came too late in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, was stuck out wide at Ascot and then won the Falmouth in great style; With that deserved Group 1 win under her belt can make mark here.
Rainfall: Has improved markedly with every single run, romping home on debut before coming close second in Haydock listed race; Then stepped up on that to land Jersey Stakes and was making late headway in Falmouth Stakes last time; Foolish to assume that is height of her ability but this is a tough spot.
Evading Tempete: Ahead of Special Duty when second in very strong Prix Imprudence and followed that with win in Italian 1,000 Guineas; Only fifth in Coronation, a formline which gives her a lot to do to make a mark here.
Evaporation: Actually pushed Joanna all the way when second 2 starts ago and won when favourite in listed company last time out; Not totally out of it although she will need to find more on many formlines.
VERDICT: Another good renewal with 3 Group 1 winners in attendance, and 2 high class British 3 year olds coming. They will all have to go some to beat GOLDIKOVA, who was brilliant when landing The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and will be nearly impossible to beat here.
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