Marie-Francoise’s Sunday Selections for 30th August 2026
Marie-Francoise’s Sunday Selections from Deauville & Jaysella & Carolines’ Picks from Goodwood & Cork
Deauville
Barriere Prix Quincey (Group 3) 1.33
Gaga Girl (nap)
Oui, it must be Gaga Girl that can be winning this Prix Quincey, with her run in the Prix Rothschild here the best of the form non? She was very very good in that Group One contest, the Prix Rothschild, and she had won the Prix Goldikova here as well in July. Un Instant has some course experience, and possibly Colin The Brave can be in this race as well. D’accord, but maybe Hamad Al Jehani’s Diego Ventura can be making this the big effort to make this a close race for Gaga Girl, but I do believe she will win.
Lucien Barriere Grand Prix de Deauville (Group 2) 2.50
Arrow Eagle
Ooh la la, what a race of the ages this Grand Prix de Deauville non? Yann Barberot wants his three year old Mazzala to continue his winning run, with his victory in the Prix du Reux here at Deauville last time making him the favourite non? But, Jean-Claude Rouget’s Arrow Eagle is a very very good colt of Gleneagles, who has all the experience at the very highest level, and c’est possible that this trip is good for him. D’accord, but Jaysella always has all the respect for Al Aasy, who is just as good this year as in all the other years. Maintenant, I will be on Arrow Eagle, with Al Aasy and Mazzala to be making this the very special race for this Sunday.
Barriere Prix de Meautry (Group 3) 3.25
Mitbaahy
I must be for the raider from Angleterre, Mitbaahy, for this Prix de Meautry, but this is the most difficult race of the Group contests today non? There are many that have the chance, and this must be with Great Wish, Dostoievsky and My Calyx Cen, but it is Mitbaahy that has all of the experience to win this. Oui, it will be Mitbaahy to win this, with Jamie Spencer the very very good jockey to Have, and maybe My Calyx Cen can be second to him.
Goodwood
Virgin Bet Prestige Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) 3.10
Nuit d’Eclair (nb)
I do think the one you’ve gotta be on for the Prestige is Nuit d’Eclair. All the stars are gonna align for me for Kevin Philippart De Foy’s Night Of Thunder filly, who should have won the Sweet Solera at Newmarket last time out if she hadn’t taken her eye off the ball in the final furlong. But, the going is likely to change a lot after Saturday’s deluge, so it’s all gonna be about who’s coping with more cut in the ground. That’s gotta be the big question for these youngsters, so Karl Burke’s Light Of Dawn may be the one to serve it up to my pick, Nuit d’Eclair, but minds made up!!
Cork
Coolmore Stud Little Big Bear Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) 3.30
Suzie Songs
Well, I’m drawn to Ger Lyons Suzie Songs for this Group 3 Fillies & Mares contest. She was in fine form as a two year old, second to Aidan O’Brien’s Composing in the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh, which for me backed up her win in the Group 3 Anglesey on just her second start. Back to winning form this season, with a win in the Platinum Stakes here the last day, so it’s Suzie Songs for me. I will admit this is a pretty open market, with Catalina Delcarpio, Magny Cours and Dancing Saxon all getting plenty of support, so this does look a really competitive Group 3, with Jessica Harrington’s Leopardstown winner, Cromac Quay adding more spice to this dish. Fascinating, but Suzie Songs is two from two at Cork, so she gets my vote!
