Makfi claims the scalps of Goldikova (far) and Paco Boy (near) at Deauville
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.comMakfi dashes Goldikova's record bid in Marois
Report: France, Sunday
Deauville: Prix Jacques le Marois (Group 1) 1m, 3yo+
MAKFI, winner of the 2,000 Guineas in May but below-parsince, bounced back to form in superb style when claiming the scalp of superstar mare Goldikova in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday.
Despite travelling with her customary ease, Goldikova failed to pick up when asked to do so by Olivier Peslier as Makfi rattled home under new partner Christophe Soumillon.
Paco Boy, beaten by Goldikova in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, finished behind her once again in third for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes.
After adding a third Prix Rothschild to her impressive cv and equalling Miesque's record of ten Group/Grade 1 wins two weeks ago, Goldikova was widely expected to break the record in the Marois, but, on ground described as very soft, she suffered the first defeat of her season.
She was eased to 6-4 (from 11-10) by Stan James to win a record-breaking third Breeders' Cup Mile, but trainer Freddie Head confirmed the race, at Churchill Downs on November 6, remained the main target for the daughter of Anabaa.
Makfi and Christophe Soumillon are led in after the Jacques le Marois
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerHe said: "We were beaten by a better horse on the day - no excuses.
"The main target is the Breeders' Cup and I've not decided what we'll do before that - maybe the Moulin or the Foret [October 3] on Arc weekend."
Makfi could yet again stand between Goldikova and her shot at history with trainer Mikel Delzangles nominating the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on September 5 and the Breeders' Cup Mile as thenext destinations for his brilliant Dubawi colt.
A shock 33-1 winner of the Guineas, Makfi finished seventh in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, from which he returned with a throat infection, and Delzangles was, understandably, delighted with how he bounced back to win the richest 1m race in Europe.
"It's absolutely super," Delzangles said. "He put his Ascot tripbehind him and we knew he was in terrific form before the race.
"He acted on the ground better than the others and could run in the Moulin. We'll think about the QEII and Breeders' Cup Mile."
Equally impressed with Makfi was Soumillon who, after unseating, declared: "This colt is the new Sea The Stars!"
Richard Hannon: yet to decide plans for Paco Boy
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerPlans for Paco Boy, recently sold to stand at John and Lady Carolyn Warren's Highclere Stud next season, are far from concrete with Hannon hinting retirement could be on the cards for the three-time Group 1 winner.
"He didn't quite get home on the ground, but ran his heart out," Hannon said.
"He ran pound for pound with Goldikova on Ascot form.
"He could be retired, he could go to America or the Foret - it's up to the owners."
In three meetings with Goldikova, he has yet to come out on top, but could gain revenge if the pair meet in the Prix de la Foret, a race Paco Boy won in 2008.
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