Deauville - 19th Aug

Another bad day at the office yesterday. I fancied Brown Panther very strongly but he was just outclassed and outstayed by Mount Athos.

The horse I'm backing today, Giofra in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet, is one of my relatively few decent winning bets this season. She was way overpriced in the Falmouth and I expect the conditions she faces today - 10f on good ground - to really suit her. She needs further than a mile and her win at Newmarket was on rain softened ground. Elusive Kate has really franked that form since as well. Of her opponents today Galikova is respected but with little give in the ground I think this trip is a bit short for her. Snow Fairy makes her seasonal debut and history shows she needs at least one run to get going. Izzi Top has run well all year apart from last time out where she ran in the Nassau on good ground over this trip. I think she needs softer conditions in Group 1 company.
Ultimately I think Giofra has possibly the best form going into this race and just as importantly she's the one horse in the race who is suited to every part of the conditions of this particular contest. Ground, trip and recent form are all massive ticks in the box for her. It really would be nice to get one in the win column before next weeks Ebor Festival.

Prix Jean Romanet:
Giofra £60w @ 3/1 (lost)

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