Deauville's G3 Prix Minerve occupies a special place in the ambitions of His Highness The Aga Khan and France's pre-eminent owner-breeder has a duo in a strong-looking renewal on Sunday as he bids to extend his record with a 12th success. Jean-Claude Rouget looks to have the best of them in the June 16 Listed Derby du Languedoc winner Sirrin (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), but she will have to continue her progression to deal with a smart British-trained pair of fellow black-type fillies in the July 22 Listed Aphrodite S. scorer God Given (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and June 15 Listed Ballymacoll Stud S. winner Elas Ruby (GB) (Raven's Pass).
Currently tying with his rival Alain de Royer-Dupre on nine successes is Andre Fabre and he saddles a duo of Godolphin representatives in the July 14 Listed Prix de Thiberville runner-up Lady Montdore (Medaglia d'Oro) and June 30 Clairefontaine debutante winner Saxon Rose (GB) (Manduro {Ger}). Lisa-Jane Graffard commented, “Saxon Rose won very nicely on her debut at Clairefontaine. She had previously gained some racecourse experience in a schooling race and she is a nice filly, who is progressing all the time. Mickael Barzalona has chosen to ride her and conditions should suit. She is coming into this race as a bit of an unknown and we hope to find out some more about her ability. Lady Montdore has done really well on her two appearances this year and is a filly with a nice turn of foot. She has more experience compared to Saxon Rose and should run a nice race.”
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