Diamond Necklace will be the star attraction at Deauville today when she goes for the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained daughter of St Mark’s Basilica is unbeaten in her six career starts – the last four all coming in Group One company.
She started off this season with victory in the Poule d’Essai Des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp before adding the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
Her most recent outing came at Goodwood, where she ran out an easy winner of the Nassau Stakes.
“She’s in good form, she seems to be good,” said O’Brien. “Everything has gone well since the last day.”
Diamond Necklace is set to face 10 rivals over 10 furlongs, including two stablemates in Beautify and Moments Of Joy.
Joseph O’Brien’s Rebel Moon and the Ger Lyons-trained Red Letter also make the trip from Ireland, while British hopes are carried by Charlie Johnston’s German 1000 Guineas heroine Timeforshowcasing and Qilin Queen from Ed Walker’s yard.
Cankoura (Francis-Henri Graffard), Aventure (Christophe Ferland), Pink Panthera (Patrice Cottier) and Pierchic (Henri-Alex Pantall) complete the field.
On a day packed with quality, Orthodox is another looking to stay unbeaten when he lines up for the Sumbe Prix Morny.
Clive Cox’s youngster has not been seen since winning the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, with a minor setback ruling him out of the Prix Robert Papin.
The Lambourn trainer said: “He’s in excellent form and it looks like we have a drier forecast for the next couple of days, which will be helpful.”
He will face a stern test on his return to action, with Simon and Ed Crisford fielding Queen Mary runner-up Senorita Bonita, who claimed a notable victory over this week’s Lowther winner Libertango when they met in the Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket’s July meeting.
Aidan O’Brien is responsible for three of the eight declared runners, with Coventry Stakes winner Great Barrier Reef set to be joined by his Richmond Stakes-winning stablemate Man’s Best Friend as well as likely outsider Carry The Flag.
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