Marie-Francoise & The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 2nd August 2026
Marie-Francoise’s Sunday Selections from Deauville & The Mandarin’s Chester Picks
Deauville
Sky Sports Racing Prix Six Perfections – Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage (Group 3) (Fillies) 12.56
Queen Of The Day
Oh yes, it is Queen Of The Day that I think will win this Prix Six Perfections for Francis-Henri Graffard. She was very much closing in on Avec Toi in the Roland de Chambure here last month on this course and distance, so maybe Mickael Barzalona will be keeping her so much more up with the pace-non? C’est possible Data can be the danger for Christopher Head, but with my heart I must be on Queen Of The Day.
Prix de Cabourg – Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage (Group 3) 1.32
Kosuma
Oui, I do believe that Andre Fabre’s Kosuma will win this Prix de Cabourg, and that Karl Burke’s Light Of Dawn will be making it the very good race. The raider from Angleterre was very very good in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, but it is on this soft ground that Kosuma can be the better choice, so I must go with my heart and say that Kosuma will win the Prix de Cabourg.
Sky Sports Racing Prix de Psyche – Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage (Group 3) (Fillies) 3.05
Lefteye
For the Prix de Psyche, it must be Andre Fabre’s Lefteye that will win. But, Christophe Lerner’s Evita has the very good form with her fifth in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly, so must be on my list, and the stablemate of Lefteye, Elle Eclipse won over 1700 metres at Clairefontaine the last time, but was so very very good, she must also be considered. Maintenant, I will be for Andre Fabre’s Lefteye, with Evita also with the chance.
Prix Rothschild – Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage – World Pool By PMU (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) 3.40
Precise (nb)
Oolala, what a race it is to be, the Prix Rothschild? Of course, it is the raiders from Angleterre that will dominate this field, with Blue Bolt and Precise on the top of the board. D’accord, there is very much history with Blue Bolt and Precise, when they have been the first and second in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last time, but in that Group One, I did feel Precise was closing on Blue Bolt in that final furlong non? so I must go with my heart to say Precise will be the one to win. Oui, Christopher Head’s Green Spirit and Karl Burke’s Evolutionist are also very very good, but I will take my chance on Precise for the Prix Rothschild.
Chester
British Stallion Studs EBF “Confined” Maiden Stakes 2.45
Pure Grit
Pure Grit’s second to Richard Fahey’s Virtuous Star in a decent contest here in May is the strongest form on offer for this Confined Maiden, so that’s an easy pick from here. Just the five lining up, which shouldn’t bring any tactical issues in to this 6 furlong sprint, so with Oisin Murphy back on board I do think that this Pinatubo Colt can get upsides of Ed Walker’s Shakwaa, who has to rate as the closest contender. Pure Grit to shed the maiden tag at the third time of asking, but not much bang for your buck here I’d guess.
Queensferry Stakes (Listed) 3.20
Calico Blue (nap)
As our Jaysella always says, horses for courses is one indicator never to be missed, so Calico Blue it is for the Queensferry Stakes here at Chester. Despite the step up in grade, three from three does make a case for around the Roodee, and I do think that with a useful draw in Stall 3 this Calyx colt could be hard to catch coming out of the home turn. The Gimcrack winner, Lifeplan and the prolific Jazl for Simon & Ed Crisford have to be noted, but if our lovely Jaysella is right, then Calico Blue is winning this. An anyway Forecast with these three does look a tempting bet though?
