French Prix Maurice de Gheest Preview: Brando overpriced

The main domestic action of this week has been fairly soggy so far, but conditions are looking much better at Deauville ahead of their card on Sunday, which features three group races including the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest. The going ahead of racing at the track on Friday was good to soft and, with no significant further rain forecast before Sunday, conditions are likely to be good, which will be pleasing for connections of Caravaggio as he steps up in trip to beyond six furlongs for the first time.

Caravaggio made it six wins from six starts and two wins from two starts at Royal Ascot when winning the Commonwealth Cup in June, but was comprehensively beaten by the second from that race, Harry Angel, when the pair clashed again 22 days later in the July Cup at Newmarket. Ascot clearly suits Caravaggio’s style better than the more speed-favouring July course (usually responds generously to pressure and is strong at the finish), but even with this in mind, he didn’t quite look at his best at Newmarket (the first under pressure) and is ultimately better judged on his Commonwealth Cup win. Given his strength in the finish over six furlongs, the extra half-furlong here should suit him well, and it is easy to see why he is a short price in the betting even though he arrives here on the back of a defeat.

Two others from the July Cup are also set to run again on Sunday, though fifth-placed Intelligence Cross was probably flattered by his position in what was a fairly muddling piece of bare form, and the biggest threat to Caravaggio from that race looks to be Brando, who did well to finish third given he started his effort from the back of the pack. Brando has been running well this season, winning the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket on his return, but he is yet to match the level of form he showed when winning the Ayr Gold Cup in September (from a BHA mark of 110). If doing so here in a race which should be run to suit given the presence of Fas (who improved to make all in the Prix Sigy last time, beating subsequent Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Precieuse by three and a half lengths) and last year’s winner Signs of Blessing, Brando could be a shade overpriced at current odds of 10/1.

Signs of Blessing isn’t likely to concede his crown lightly, however, as he looked better than ever on his reappearance over five furlongs at Deauville in May when giving away 11 lb to all bar one of his rivals. The ground was probably too fast for him in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot last time (firm by Timeform’s reckoning), and he should be suited by a return to a slightly easier surface.

Other British interests could include Aclaim if turned out quickly following his sixth in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday. He didn't really get the space to open up that day, and would have place claims if at his best. Magical Memory is another likely contender on the back of his win in the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury last time, where he saw out six furlongs on very testing ground well. On that evidence, an extra half furlong in this race will be no problem for him, though he has fallen short at the highest level on multiple occasions now.

Further depth is added to this race by the presence of American raider Bound For Nowhere, who has something to find with Caravaggio on his run (fourth) in the Commonwealth Cup last time. That was just his third career start, however, and he could easily have more to offer. That can also be said of the unexposed Rosa Imperial (trained by Andre Fabre), who is making up for lost time, landing a quick-fire hat-trick this season having been unraced prior to her four-year-old season.

Overall, this looks a fascinating and deep renewal of the Prix Maurice de Gheest and could be an ideal opportunity for Caravaggio to get back on track following his below-par run in the July Cup last time. He is a short price, however, and Brando – one place ahead of the favourite last time – could be of interest each-way at around 10/1, with the strong pace/big field scenario likely to suit him.