The Prix Jean Prat (G1) can be somewhat hit-and-miss as a group 1. The main reason for that is that if 3-year-olds with huge reputations end up in the race, then things are not going perfectly.
Pinatubo and Too Darn Hot, the biggest-name winners on the recent roll of honor, both recorded their first win of the season here.
This year's race lacks such obvious star quality, although it contains plenty of potential, and you do not get much more promise than a half brother to Frankel who has improved with every run, as Kikkuli has.
One win from four starts belies big improvement on Racing Post Ratings. His most recent run, a second to dual Guineas-placed Haatem in the Jersey Stakes (G3), was his first test against top-class opposition.
Harry Charlton has spotted a soft group 1 and taken few chances. He has booked Ryan Moore for the ride and Juddmonte has even supplemented the Andre Fabre-trained Zandy as a pacemaker.
"It's a quick turnaround from Ascot but it's the last chance to run against his own age in a group 1, and the fact he seemed in good form enabled the possibility to run," said Charlton. "I thought the Jersey was a strong race and Kikkuli ran with great credit against a very good and hardy horse in Haatem.
"Hopefully, the flat seven furlongs at Deauville will suit and Zandy can hopefully help the race along a bit."
Tenebrism two years ago is the only filly to win this race in recent years. Some of the big players this year represent the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (G1) form. Kathmandu was second and Romantic Style fourth in that race, with only around half a length between them. The form is yet to work out that well, although sixth-placed Sparkling Plenty won the Prix de Diane (G1).
Devil's Point 'Better Over Seven Furlongs'
France has been a happy hunting ground for trainer David Menuisier, who has landed two of his four group 1 wins in his homeland, and the West Sussex-based trainer bids for more top-level success across the Channel with Devil's Point.
Devil's Point is another with group 1 and classic form to call on. He was second in the Futurity Trophy Stakes (G1) last autumn and won the German Two Thousand Guineas (G2) last time.
Menuisier felt the son of New Bay was "running on fumes" in the closing stages of the German Guineas, yet managed to hold on to the lead in gutsy fashion, and his trainer thinks dropping back to seven furlongs will be in his favor.
"We always felt he might be better over seven furlongs than a mile and now it's time for him to prove it," he said. "It looks like there will be good pace in the race and he's very straightforward. He went really hard down the back straight in Germany and was running the last few yards on fumes. He's been very well since, so let the best horse win."
