Aidan O'Brien Targets Prix Maurice de Gheest with 'Love'
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is seeking his first Prix Maurice de Gheest victory in nearly two decades when he saddles 'Love' in the Group 1 sprint at Deauville on Sunday night Hong Kong time . The Irish master has not won this race since 2001 with King Charlemagne, but believes the straight course at the French track suits his filly perfectly after she finished a close second there last time out .
Key Points
- The Prix Maurice de Gheest, a 1,300-metre Group 1 race, will be run as Race S3-4 at Deauville on Sunday night Hong Kong time .
- French-trained and foreign-trained horses have split the last 12 editions evenly with six wins apiece .
- O'Brien's 'Love' won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May and has placed in three subsequent Group 1 races .
- The filly finished second in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville, just half a length behind the winner, convincing O'Brien to return to the same course .
- Charlie Appleby-trained 'Master of the Seas' will drop back to 1,300 metres after finishing second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot .
- French hope 'Kiss the Bride' returns home after finishing fourth in a British Group 1, with trainer Jean-Claude Rouget reporting continued improvement .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong racing fans, the outcome carries significance for international form lines that often influence local betting markets and future nominations for the Hong Kong International Races. A strong performance by 'Love' or 'Master of the Seas' could elevate their prospects for prestigious end-of-year fixtures at Sha Tin, where European three-year-olds frequently compete for substantial prize money .
For Hong Kong racing fans, the outcome carries significance for international form lines that often influence local betting markets and future nominations for the Hong Kong International Races. A strong performance by 'Love' or 'Master of the Seas' could elevate their prospects for prestigious end-of-year fixtures at Sha Tin, where European three-year-olds frequently compete for substantial prize money .