2.55pm Deauville Tips & Betting Preview 14/08/2016

IN SUMMARY: GALILEO GOLD (2/1) is turned out quickly after his 2nd to The Gurkha in the Sussex Stakes just 18 days ago this Sunday. The Hugo Palmer star has reportedly travelled over to France and settled in well. If he is still in very good order after his latest excursion, he will prove very difficult to beat. Already a winner of the 2000 Guineas and St James’ Palace Stakes this season, it will take a very smart individual to beat him here. If there is one fly in the ointment it could come in the shape of Ribchester (11/4) who was just a short head behind Galileo Gold in the Sussex Stakes. The Richard Fahey horse finished like a rocket and was probably a touch unlucky not to get 2nd, if not even win.

1 Grand Vintage (150/1) – Won a handicap at Saint-Cloud in May but has no chance in this company.

2 Vadamos (13/2) – Trained by the notorious and dangerous Andre Fabre, this five year old has some very smart form in the book. He was 2nd to Solow in the Prix Montjeu at Chantilly in March, a standout piece of form that would give him a major chance in this field. He won a Saint-Cloud Group 2 very easily on good to firm in May and was far too good for his opponents in a Group 3 at Maisons-Laffitte last month. A good run looks assured.

3 Arod (25/1) – Peter Chapple-Hyam trained horse that has had a poor season to date. Finished last of 18 in the July Cup when last seen and is easily passed over.

4 Lightning Spear (16/1) – Third to the amazing Tepin in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Has won on firm ground but would prefer a bit of cut in the ground. Sixth in the Sussex Stakes a couple of weeks ago and needs to improve to win here but does have a place chance.

5 Ervedya (11/1) – Three time Group 1 winner that didn’t put her best foot forward in the Queen Anne Stakes when 5th to Tepin. Will be in receipt of 1.5kg from the boys so she will be right in the mix if back to near her best. Big price!

6 Esoterique (20/1) – Yet to show the same spark from last October where she beat Integral in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. She finished last of 13 behind Tepin in the Queen Anne Stakes and needs to show something before she can be backed again.

7 Galileo Gold (2/1) – Ultra consistent three year old colt by Paco Boy and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, yet to be out of the first three on all nine starts. Winner of the 2000 Guineas and St James’ Palace Stakes and placed in the Irish 2000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes and French Group 1. Sets a rock solid standard here, is the worthy favourite and will win if at his best.

8 Ribchester (11/4) – Probably Richard Fahey’s best horse in training at present. Beat Log Out Island in a Newbury Group 2 last year and started his UK campaign this year with a good 3rd to Galileo Gold in the 2000 Guineas. Won the Group 3 Jersey Stakes comfortably in April and was finishing like a train when 3rd in the Sussex Stakes last time out. Looks the most likely winner if Galileo Gold fails to deliver.

9 Dicton (25/1) – Narrow winner of Listed and Group 3 contests in France this year but was 6 lengths behind The Gurkha in the Poule D’Essai Des Poulains (Group 1) in May when 3rd! Finished a good third in the Prix Du Jockey Club last month and whilst more is needed, could hit the frame.

10 Stormy Antarctic (20/1) – Needs cut in the ground to be seen at his very best as shown when beating Foundation on heavy ground in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket earlier this season. Gallant 2nd in the Prix Jean Prat (Group 1) at Chantilly on good to firm last time out but more needed here.

11 Spectre (33/1) – German raider; three year old filly that won a Group 3 at Saint Cloud in April. Ran a brilliant race when 5th in the Poule Des Pouliches at Deauville behind La Cressonniere. Behind Stormy Antarctic in the Prix Jean Prat last time out and will do well to get involved in the finish here.