Study Of Man out to state Arc case in midweek treat of Group-race action

3.20 Deauville
Prix Guillaume d'Ornano Haras du Logis Saint-Germain | Group 2| 1m2f | 3yo | ATR/RUK

If France is to regain the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe bookmakers believe the most likely candidate is Study Of Man, who resumes his march towards the Longchamp spectacular with connections hoping a date at Deauville can provide a springboard to autumn glory.

The Group 2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano Haras du Logis Saint-Germain boasts total prize-money of more than £350,000, making it even more valuable than the comparable Qatar-backed contests at Glorious Goodwood.

This year's race has again attracted a field worthy of the money, with the Pascal Bary-trained Prix du Jockey Club hero Study Of Man facing opposition that includes his nearest Chantilly victim Patascoy, the progressive Godolphin colt Gyllen and two British challengers.

The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes has been named as the likely subsequent port of call for the Niarchos family's star, whose camp will want to see him follow the example of 2016 Jockey Club winner Almanzor, who took this en route to Group 1 wins at Leopardstown and Ascot, rather than Brametot, a shock loser 12 months ago.

Patascoy was a 33-1 outsider when getting to within half a length of Study Of Man in the Jockey Club, and trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte said: "It's a semi-comeback, but there haven't been any suitable races since the Jockey Club. He showed in both the Prix de Guiche and the Jockey Club that he is up to this standard.

"He'll never win his gallops by ten lengths when a head will do, but he seems in good form and we know he saves his best for the afternoons."

Gyllen stretches out to beat Crossed Baton in the Prix Eugene Adam

If the winner does not come from the French Derby it will most likely emerge from last month's Prix Eugene Adam, in which the reopposing Gyllen, the John Gosden-trained Crossed Baton and Louis D'Or finished first, second and third.

Gyllen's trainer Andre Fabre said: "He’s a lovely, honest colt, who tries his hardest. He ran a very game race last time, but he’ll need to have shown some improvement if he is to win again here."

Joining Crossed Baton in the British mission is Harry Dunlop's Lingfield Classic trial winner Knight To Behold, who seeks to bounce back after disappointing Derby efforts at Epsom and the Curragh.

Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club | Group 3 | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ATR/RUK

First Sitting took one extremely big scalp on this day at Deauville last year. Now he tries to take another.

In the 2017 running the Chris Wall-trained stalwart had Almanzor behind; this time the domestic heavyweight standing in his way is Godolphin's Breeders' Cup Turf victor Talismanic.

Regular rider Gerald Mosse will again be aboard First Sitting, who posted a Listed success at Goodwood in May and most recently managed a Newbury fourth at the same level.

"Last year we had to defeat Almanzor. This year we have to defeat Talismanic – so it's not going to be easy," said Wall.

"I was satisfied with his run at Newbury, where the ground was livelier than he prefers. He's in good heart and he'll run well, but I'm realistic as we're up against a Breeders' Cup winner. However, if Talismanic isn't on his A-game we might be able to slay another dragon."

Talismanic ran dreadfully on his latest outing, but that is easily forgivable as it was on the Meydan dirt in the Dubai World Cup. Since then, the popular white-faced five-year-old has been enjoying a holiday in Newmarket.

His trainer Andre Fabre said: "He's been working well, although he is obviously short of a race. He can be a bit lazy at home, so we’ll know a bit more after the race.

"The concern for me in the longer term is the mile and a half, as I'm not sure he's a true mile-and-a-half horse."

Fabre also saddles Wren's Day, who was employed as pacemaker for Cloth Of Stars in the Prix Ganay but finished one place in front of his more illustrious stable companion when a four-length second to Cracksman.

Raising the subject of the Ganay form, Fabre said: "What does it mean? Not much for me. He will do the same sort of job in terms of going in front."

The Deauville card also offers a Group 3 opportunity for three-year-old fillies in the shape of the Prix de Lieury, in which Charlie Appleby sends Goodwood fifth Poetic Charm.

Appleby said: "She's come out of Goodwood in good form and the conditions of this race at Deauville looks to be a good opportunity for her at Group level."

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