Prix Rothschild 2011

2.40 Deauville

Prix Rothschild Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner €171,420

Pick: Goldikova (win)

Timepiece: Steadily progressive through last part of year and career best when steadily Falmouth Stakes under very smart ride from Tom Queally, always well placed off slow pace before taking up lead; While she’s clearly smart, today (with pacemaker) likely to be more of a test for her.

Vanjura: Top older filly in Germany; runner-up to the smart Worthadd in Milan before then winning Group 3 with ease; This looks too tough for her at first glance despite obvious abilities.

One Clever Cat: came with a storming late run to take the Listed Prix Jacques Laffite by three lengths and while she has bettered that for in defeat since, suspicion is that today’s trip is too short upped in class.

First City: Would have a squeak on her best form, which includes a Group 3 second to progressive sort at Goodwood last season and once again strong at finish when threatening Antara in Group 3 first time out; Better again in Windsor Forest and then in Falmouth but flattered by a few efforts.

Flash Dance: Pacemaker for Goldikova, who was creditable fourth in Prix D’ishphan  this season (career best); No real chance. 

Goldikova: Another record breaking season last year, stamping herself as best European mare of recent times with stunning wins D’Isphan, Queen Anne, this race last year for third time running, along with the Foret & a third Breeders Cup Mile; Made another classy reappearance when winning the D’Isphan for a second time and while she was second best to Canford Cliffs at Ascot, 2lbs overweight can’t have helped and this easier; One to beat by a long way.

Saphresa: Developed into top class miler and unlucky not to again Asian Group 1 win in two tries last year, having previously taken Sun Chariot Stakes for second year running; Scarcely believable how she hacked all over quality opposition down at 7 furlongs on reappearance and then undone by slow gallop in Falmouth Stakes when Timepeice got first run; Can reverse that form but beating Goldikova is huge task.

Nova Hawk: Steadily progressive as a juvenile, coming runner up in pair of listed races at backend of last year (heavy ground) ; Impressive winner of Prix La Camargo on seasonal reappearance and bettered that when fourth in Newmarket/French 1,000 Guineas; Unlucky when second in Coronation Stake s but should find things harder against older fillies and mares.

VERDICT: Although she was clearly second best, the 2lbs overweight that GOLDIKOVA carried in the Queen Anne Stakes was no help and she can gain a fourth win in this. Each/way thieves should be looking towards the Falmouth 1-2 Timepiece and Saphresa, both of whom may hold Coronation Stakes second Nova Hawk for the places.