Marie-Francoise’ Sunday Selections for 17th August 2025

Marie-Francoise’ Sunday Selections from Deauville

The Aga Khan Studs Prix Lady O’Reilly (Group 3) (Fillies) 12.58
Rabbit’s Foot (nap)
I think that this first race can go to Francis Rohaut’s Rabbit’s Foot. She looked to have some potential when less than 2 lengths behind Qilin Queen in the Prix de Malleret at ParisLongchamp, but that was a Group 2 race, so this looks the lesser plate to me. John & Thady Gosden have sent Understudy over to contest this Group 3, and I think she must be on my list and maybe also Sir Mark Prescott’s Consent. Oui, I think that Rabbit’s Foot has a very good chance to win this, and that is my choice.

The Aga Khan Studs Prix Nureyev (Listed) 1.33
Purview
There are many raiders from Ireland and Angleterre for this Listed race, and maybe Purview from Dermot Weld’s stable is the one to be on. Of course, John & Thady Gosden won this race last year with the very exciting Ombudsman, so I think we must have serious consideration for Damysus, and this Frankel filly is high on my shortlist. With Simon & Ed Crisford having Sea Scout, and Roger Varian Jackknife with Oisin Murphy aboard, it is a race very open to those from Ireland and Angleterre. But, I think it will come down to Damysus and Purview, with Purview my preferred one.

The Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois (Group 1) 2.50
Dancing Gemini (nb)
With the withdrawal of Rosallion for this feature race, the Jacques le Marois, this Group One contest is very wide open. I think that my instinct is telling me that Dancing Gemini can make the most of this opportunity after a mid season break, and of course he has superb form in France, runner-up in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains in 2024, so maybe he can take on the new favourite, Aidan O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter for this big prize. Originally, at the end of last year, The Lion In Winter had been the leader of the market for the Derby in Angleterre, but now seems to be thought of much as a miler, while his stablemate, Diego Velazquez has been lightly raced this season, and is my each way pick with Christophe Soumillon given the ride. Harry Eustace’s Docklands must also be mentioned, but is best when he runs at his favourite Ascot course, so I think I must go with my heart and say Dancing Gemini.

The Aga Khan Studs Prix Francois Boutin (Group 3) 3.25
Daytona
Aidan O’Brien has the one to beat in Daytona, who already has won a Listed race at Naas and can now make the hat-trick with Ryan Moore. But, Jospeh O’Brien has booked Christophe Soumillon to ride his Andab, so it is easy for me to envisage a good race between these two Juveniles, while Christophe Ferland’s Kenzel is also unbeaten after two races and makes up my shortlist. Oui, Kenzel was very impressive at Dieppe, so could have more coming, but I think Daytona looks a very hot favourite to win this, with Andab to push him close.