Prix Jacques Le Marois 2025 Preview – Runners Guide as Strong Overseas Challenge in Deuaville Group 1 Mile

The €1,200,000 Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois in 2025 isn’t just the familiar cross-Channel battle between the UK, Ireland and France on the Normandy Coast. Deauville’s premier Straight Mile race also contains raiders from Japan among 11 runners on Sunday, 17 August.

A rather thin home team by comparison sees just two in the Aga Khan Studs silks, Zabiari and Ridari for Francis-Henri Graffard and Mikel Delzangles respectively, joined by Nicolas Caullery veteran King Gold in the line-up. Each of the domestic runners has at least one Group win over the distance, but it’s pretty clear this edition of the race demands more.

Four cross the English Channel all representing different stables. Chief among those is Rosallion, an unlucky second on both of his summer assignments for Richard Hannon. Docklands just defeated that one during Royal Ascot for Harry Eustace, but that form ended up reversed come Glorious Goodwood. Roger Teal saddles Dancing Gemini, still seeking an elusive Group 1 win, and Godolphin run Notable Speech.

Aidan O’Brien has two in the Prix Jacques Le Marois of 2025 with The Lion In Winter still on the comeback trail. Joining him in the race is Diego Velazquez, bound for the National Stud at the end of season and running in the Sangster silks from now on. Japan’s contribution to the contest sees the exciting globetrotting filly Ascoli Piceno joined by the less exalted Go To First.

With international form lines to consider, we turn to our experts for equating it and analysis of its worth. Their assessments, coupled with the prices offers by British horse racing bookmakers online, should help unravel another absorbing edition of one of the best mile races in Europe each season. This renewal is no different, so read up on every horse heading to Deauville.

Prix Jacques Le Marois 2025 Runners Guide

1. Zabiari

Won all three start this season after spending almost all of last year off the track. Won two Group 3s over the trip including at Chantilly latest. Held on juvenile form by Rosallion, however. Owner’s first string, based on jockey bookings, but needs further improvement.

2. Rosallion

Run three fine races in defeat this season. Needed reappearance third in the Lockinge Stakes (Dancing Gemini finished in front that day), then lost out on the nod in photo finish to Docklands in Queen Anne. Didn’t get there in bid to run down tearaway pacemaker in Sussex Stakes latest, but was gaining with every stride. Won top juvenile race on previous visit to France and has one of these in him. One of the Prix Jacques Le Marois runners to note.

3. Dancing Gemini

Won first couple of starts this season away from fast ground. Beaten a neck in the Lockinge, but not so good in the Queen Anne since. Midsummer break and now comes across the Channel in search of easier going. May get it here and not impossible he can finally win a Group 1 as second in the French 2000 Guineas last season on previous trip overseas.

4. Notable Speech

Classic winner last season and also popped up at Glorious Goodwood. Disappointing fifth in Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on only previous outing in France. Beaten just a length when third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at end of campaign, but done no better at home since. Behind Rosallion twice and then fifth in July Cup down in trip latest. One of the Prix Jacques Le Marois runners on the comeback trail.

5. Go To First

Japanese raider who won in late December at a big price. Not reproduced that form at Grade 3 level since and this demands even more. Discounted with the other Far East runner much preferred.

6. King Gold

Won the same Longchamp Group 3 over 1,400m three seasons running including latest. Beat Laurel River on dirt in that grade over the winter and this trip in the Middle East. Only sixth in the Prix Jacques Le Marois last term, but hasn’t run in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (that he won in 2023) this campaign. Likeable veteran, but others less exposed and appeal more.

7. Docklands

Genuine Ascot specialist forced into other top mile races by his nose victory in the opening Group 1 of the Royal meeting. Form reversed since at Goodwood and needs to prove he can reproduce his best form away from the Straight Mile at the Berkshire track. Beaten favourite in a Listed race on only previous French start.

8. Diego Velazquez

Likes Leopardstown where dual Group 2 winner. Got away with drop back in trip in that grade under a penalty at the Curragh latest. Slight change of ownership since and this more suitable, but there is something to find to prove himself at the top level based on French campaign last season. Fourth (and behind Dancing Gemini) in the 2000 Guineas, then disappointing eighth in the Prix du Jockey Club. Other Prix Jacques Le Marois contenders appeal more.

9. Ascoli Piceno

Talented Japanese filly that got up on the line and landed a valuable 1,400m race on the Saudi Cup card this winter. Followed-up since in a Grade 1 at home and comes here with a great reputation. Forecast softer ground is a complete unknown as all her runs on good or faster going. An exciting international raider nonetheless.

10. Ridari

Lightly-raced colt who landed a Group 3 Classic trial on reappearance. Fifth and sixth in the French Guineas and Derby when better expected. Beaten favourite in Prix Messidor back down over this trip latest. Owners’ retained rider is on Zabiari, which suggests he’s the preferred candidate for the Prix Jacques Le Marois.

11. The Lion In Winter

🦁The Lion In Winter breaks the course record in the @Tattersalls1766 Acomb Stakes!

Bookmakers have made the Sea The Stars colt favourite for next years derby with quotes as low as 5/1 pic.twitter.com/2rk8C8qKV9

— irishracing.com (@irishracing) August 21, 2024

Was unbeaten juvenile colt and winter favourite for the Epsom Derby. Disappointing sixth in the Dante Stakes on belated reappearance, then a non-stayer in the premier Classic. Better effort when keeping on third in Prix Jean Prat over 1,400m here latest. Winner only third in Prix Maurice de Ghesst since. Could be going the right way, but needs to find more.

Prix Jacques Le Marois 2025 Shortlist & Verdict

Chances are that ROSALLION won’t have a better opportunity for a Group 1 success as an older horse than now. Twice unfortunate not to win, he can make it third time lucky. If Japan’s Ascot Piceno handles softer conditions, then she looks a big threat with the jury still out on The Lion In Winter.

At bigger forecast odds, Dancing Gemini could go well if he produces his best form that includes a close second in the French Guineas of 2024. Zabiari has been making up for lost time with last season’s injury this term and is perhaps best of the meagre domestic challenge.

Michael Lee

Betting Expert

Michael Lee

Betting Expert

Michael has worked in the sports betting industry for many years. Following football, horse racing and track and field athletics, he has covered the last three Olympic Games, World Cups and other major sporting events.

All posts by Michael Lee