Jacques Le Marois Stakes 2010

2.40 Deauville
Jacques Le Marois Stakes (Group 1) (3yo+) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner €355,140

Picks: Goldikova (win) & Makfi (each/way)

Fuisse: Steadily progressive as a 3 year old, coming second in the Prix Du Jcokey Club (decent renewal); Has continued his improvement this year at a rate of note, looking a Group 1 performer when bolting up in the Prix Messidor, never put under the slightest of pressure before drawing clear in the final furlong to win by four lengths; This another major step up but not to be discounted.

Runaway: 5th in this 2 years ago and last year, but just looks horribly exposed on all of his runs since then and this probably too much.

Paco Boy: Top class and well established miler who embarrassed field in this last year and looked just as good when landing Bet365 and Lockinge Stakes this season; Didn’t get the best of runs in the Queen Anne last time (too keen early, and Goldikova was clear before he got out) and while he was making serious ground before finish, he was never truly catching Goldikova; Major player with better run today.

Goldikova: Now record 10 time Group 1 winner who had arguably her best season ever last summer, winning the Falmouth before going on to trash high class fields, in Prix D’Astarte before romping this last year, 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, only just holding off Paco Boy late on having burst clear a furlong out; Taking same route as she did last year when cantering home in Prix D’Astarte last time out and going to take some stopping in bid to break Group 1 record.

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.

Makfi: Impressed when taking his maiden and confirmed promise when taking Prix Dejibel in impressive style before causing major shock when confirming himself colt out of top drawer when landing 2,000 Guineas; Disappointing when 7th in St James Palace last time but excuses for that, having had a throat infection; Didn’t get the best of runs at all in the race, having been carried out wide and he was beaten less than 5 lengths in the end; Should prove even better off a fast pace if back to best and major each/way shout.

Royal Bench: Mauled field on his return on heavy ground and won cosily last time (both at listed level) but even though this might be unfair on him, a more accurate reflection of his talents may be his sixth placed effort in the Criterium International last year, or maybe his midfield finish in the Prix Du Jockey Club.

Saying: In here as pacemaker for Goldikova.

VERDICT: A top drawer contest and one of the match ups of the summer between Paco Boy and GOLDIKOVA, the latter taken to make history and pass the legendary Miesque’s record of 10 Group 1’s. She was getting caught late on by Paco Boy and with a clear run for the latter you can guarantee it’ll be a nailbiter, with the 2 pacemakers guaranteeing a fair run race. There are 8 places on offer, and assuming it stays that way, there is no way MAKFI should be as big as 8/1 on the basis of a slightly disappointing run last time at Royal Ascot. That form has since proven to be very solid and taking into account he had a throat infection, and was shuffled out wide on the track and should like a fast pace, and he could well easily be in the main shake-up, never mind the third place.