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| Staff Writer |
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Brian Meehan is eagerly anticipating a clash of the titans as his Royal Ascot hero Jayarebe prepares to lock horns with Economics in Thursday's Gr.2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville.
Jayarebe enters the fray on the back of a gutsy victory in the Gr.3 Three Hampton Court Stakes at the Royal meeting in June, where he fended off the persistent challenge of King's Gambit. Now, the 3YO faces his sternest test to date in a high-quality renewal of the French Group Two.
Standing in Jayarebe's path is the impressive Dante Stakes victor Economics, alongside Ed Walker's talented Almaqam, who steps up beyond a mile for the first time after his triumph in the Listed Heron Stakes.
Marlborough-based Meehan has long been regarded as one of Britain's most astute trainers. His global successes include David Junior's 2006 Dubai Duty Free victory and Dangerous Midge's 2010 Breeders' Cup Turf triumph.
"Jayarebe has come out of Ascot in great form," Meehan said. "This looks a hot race, but we're confident he'll give a good account of himself."
Jayarebe carries the iconic colours of Manton Thoroughbreds, a syndicate co-founded by Sam Sangster, son of the late racing magnate Robert Sangster. The familiar blue, green, and white silks evoke memories of turf legends like Sadler's Wells and El Gran Senor.
Sam Sangster said: "It's always special when these colours go to post. Jayarebe is really keeping the family tradition alive."
The Manton Thoroughbreds syndicate has enjoyed considerable success since its inception. Notable triumphs include Bayside Boy's victory in the 2021 Gr.2 Champagne Stakes and Flaming Rib's 2022 Gr.2 Sandy Lane Stakes win.
As Jayarebe prepares for his French foray, connections are dreaming big. A strong performance could open doors to even loftier targets in the autumn.
Meehan added: "We've always held this horse in high regard. Thursday will tell us a lot about where we go for the rest of the season."
With the weight of racing history on his back and the expertise of Meehan in his corner, Jayarebe looks primed to fly the flag for British racing on the Normandy coast. As the Sangster silks once again grace a major European stage, a new chapter in this storied racing dynasty could be about to unfold.