 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Inspiral is making a comeback to Deauville with hopes of winning the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois for the second year in a row.
Last season, she triumphed in the French Group One race after a disappointing performance in the Falmouth Stakes. However, this time around, she faced challenging conditions and a tough competitor in the Sussex Stakes.
Despite the quick turnaround from Goodwood, the connections are optimistic due to reports of improving ground conditions on the Normandy coast. They have given the green light for Inspiral to defend her title.
“Goodwood was a sort of disappointment having been the target, but with the ground conditions she just didn’t relish that at all,” said Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud.
“Frankie (Dettori) made his move to come to the rail and his injection of pick-up was short lived in those conditions.
“Conditions in France look to have dried up. There is a chance of a few showers, but John and Thady Gosden were happy with her after her race at Goodwood and Mrs Thompson is happy to let her go back to France for another chance at the Jacques le Marois.
“Her finest hour after Royal Ascot came there last year.”
Navigating Short Breaks: Inspiral's Secret To Success
Inspiral has often performed well when kept fresh, and although a short break between races might raise concerns, the unusually wet summer has highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise and when conditions are favorable.
“I think John and Thady were happy with the fact Frankie was kind to her once her chance was gone at Goodwood,” added Richardson.
“Of course there is always a slight concern (about the quick turnaround), but we know she’s talented, she’s only had two races this year and they tell me she’s in a good place.
“There should be plenty of pace and we will let the filly do the talking. It will be nice to see her back out again and we just don’t know how the autumn is going to unfold.
“Going forward you have races like the Matron Stakes and others to consider, but you just don’t know what conditions are going to be. She was kept in training to race on and that’s where we are at this point.”
At the start of the season, Inspiral finished a close second to Triple Time in the Queen Anne Stakes. Kevin Ryan, the trainer of Triple Time, reports that the Royal Ascot champion is in good form ahead of their rematch in France.
He said, “Triple Time has had a nice bit of time between Ascot and now.
“We’ve had a lovely clear run with him. He’s working nicely and we’re delighted with him going into the race.”
Joining Triple Time in the line-up is stablemate Hi Royal, who achieved placings in both the 2000 Guineas and the Irish equivalent earlier in the season. Hi Royal will now compete over a mile with cheekpieces added, aiming to make a comeback after a disappointing performance in the Prix Jean Prat.
“The race didn’t pan out for him the last day,” added Ryan.
“He missed the break and when cutting back to seven furlongs he couldn’t afford to do that.
“He’s back up to a mile and I’m very happy with him going into the race.”
Owned by Jaber Abdullah, Hi Royal's connections, including Philip Robinson, the assistant racing manager, are hopeful that the Kodiac colt will return to his best form.
He said, “To have a realistic good chance Hi Royal will have to find his form from the Irish Guineas when he was just over two and a half lengths behind Paddington.
“You just have to forgive him his last run and they are always allowed to throw the odd bad one in.
“If you totally forget that then he is a proper Group One horse and you keep your fingers crossed he will have a chance.”
“He’s never done a lot wrong and circumstances haven’t seemed to work out each time,” explained the Trillium Place handler.
“But he’s a model of consistency and has run at the top level a lot of the time and we’ve always been pleased with him.
“It looks a warm event and probably a tougher race than last year if anything. He’s got a bit to find but he goes there in good order and we’ll be hopeful.”
The final contender from the UK is Light Infantry, who narrowly missed out on victory when finishing second to Inspiral last year. Light Infantry recently finished third in the Queen Anne and trainer David Simcock praises his consistent performances in Group One races.
The home team presents a strong challenge, led by Big Rock trained by Christopher Head. Big Rock narrowly lost to the impressive Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey Club, while Marhaba Ya Sanafi finished a few lengths behind in third place at Chantilly. Marhaba Ya Sanafi, also owned by Jaber Abdullah, now returns to the distance where he previously achieved success in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.
Robinson added, “He’s got form over a mile, but I think the French Derby is his better form. He’s obviously got a bit to find with Big Rock on that run. These races you have to be in them to win them, but it is going to be very tough.
“Big Rock I think has a great chance and if Inspiral comes back to her best she must have a great chance as well. Triple Time also looked impressive at Ascot and if he finds that form to the table he will be in with a shout as well.
“This race brings out all the top horses, but our two are there and will have some kind of shout if at the top of their game. I think they will both run good races and won’t be far away, but they are going to have to find a little bit better and improve a bit to win.”