Goldikova v Paco Boy at Deauville

The most eagerly awaited clash of the summer is the third meeting between Goldikova (F. Head/ Olivier Peslier) and Paco Boy (R. Hannon/ Richard Hughes) in this afternoon´s Group One Prix Jacques le Marois at 15.40 CET at Deauville. Despite the ludicrous ratings awarded to Workforce and Harbinger by the official handicappers on the basis of one good run, these two are the best and most consistent horses in training in Europe.

The 5yo mare Goldikova has beaten Paco Boy twice, most recently in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, where she only just held on by a neck after getting first run. Quite a few people think that Paco Boy was a bit unlucky that day and can reverse the placings now, but we firmly believe that the mare will come out on top again. She is undefeated in 4 starts at Deauville and is now going for an unprecedented 11th Group One victory. One problem could be the rainy weather and the going looks as if it will be very soft. Goldikova has won on the soft, but would not want it too heavy, while Paco Boy has shown all his best form on faster ground. In theory the big two have so much in hand of their 6 opponents (including Goldikova´s two pacemakers) that they should finish clear of the rest whatever the ground, but the two that might possibly make a race of it are Fuisse (trained by Freddie´ s sister Criquette with Stephane Pasquier in the saddle) and Makfi (Mikel Delzangles/ Christophe Sou millon), surprise winner of the 2,000 Guineas in May.

Paco Boy, assuming he goes on the ground, usually comes with a late rattle and if he comes to challenge Goldikova with 150 yards to run, we may see the most exciting finish of the season.
The main supporting feature on a strong card is the Group Two Prix Guillaume d´Ornano for 3yo´s over 2000 metres at 16.15, in which German raider Scalo (Andreas Wöhler/ Maxime Guyon) must have a decent each-way chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jackson Square - Kadou - Toss The Dice
2. Race: Seatone - Dinner`s Out - Immortal Verse
3. Race: Major Art - Split Trois - Ares Flight
4. Race: Cool Star - König Bernard - Sans Chichi
5. Race: Goldikova - Paco Boy - Fuisse
6. Race: Mellon Martini - Fallen Idol - Scalo
7. Race: Admission - Permit - Le Larron
8. Race: Marshvite - Archissime - La Macchia