The next generation steps into the spotlight at Deauville

Kicking off a major weekend of racing in Normandy and providing a taste of Sunday’s eagerly awaited card at Deauville, Saturday’s meeting already promises plenty of excitement. The two-year-olds will take centre stage, with three races exclusively reserved for the youngest generation.

The first highlight is the Prix de la Vallée d’Auge (L.), which has the look of a Franco-British clash, with five of the eight runners trained across the Channel. Another intriguing feature is that just one colt will attempt to fend off a strong team of fillies. Attention then turns to the eagerly awaited Prix de Crèvecœur and Prix des Marettes, two iconic races of the Deauville summer meeting for unraced juveniles. Eleven colts in the first, twelve fillies in the second… and just as many dreams of uncovering a future champion.

The opening race of the day should not be overlooked either, with the Prix de Reux (Gr.3). Six runners will line up, including Presage Nocturne, whose connections are hoping for another trip to Australia before the end of the season.

The programme is completed by two more Listed contests: the Prix Michel Houyvet, run over 3,000 metres for three-year-olds with the potential to develop into future stayers, and the Prix Isola Bella, reserved for fillies and mares over Deauville’s straight course.