Rapid River Ready To Roll

Stormy River bids to press his claims to become the leading three-year-old miler of the season in Sunday's Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

The Classic generation have a good record in the contest over recent seasons with the likes of Dubawi, Whipper, Six Perfections and Dubai Millennium all beating their elders.

And if Nicolas Clement's grey colt can confirm the impression he created when winning the Group One Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly last month, he will go some way to earning the crown of champion three-year-old miler.

'He's certainly gone the right way since his win at Chantilly and we are very happy with him. He has had no setbacks,' said Clement.

'We gave him a week off after his win and then started him up again. He is carrying his condition as well as before.

'There are no more races for top class three-year-olds at this time of year so we are forced in to taking on the older horses now, so it is a big test.

'We were happy to see Marchand D'Or win last weekend against the older horses in the Prix Maurice de Gheest as we beat Marchand D'Or comfortably first time out this season.

'It will give us an indication of where the three-year-olds stand against the older horses. All we hope for is a good pace and a trouble free race ? no traffic problems.

'I didn't read too much into Araafa's defeat at Goodwood as the horse was lame after the race and I still think our horse, George Washington and Araafa are the three top three-year-old milers but none of them have beaten any older horses yet.

'If you do beat the older horses in a championship race like the Marois, you can be considered a champion. It would be fantastic.

'I am still considering the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot (September 23) for him and also the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp (September 3).

'He may run in both, I'm not sure yet. He's a lively horse but we don't want to abuse him.'

Among the older horses in the 11-strong line-up is the Godolphin-owned Librettist, who has won all his three starts since returning from a 20-month lay-off.

Frankie Dettori has partnered the four-year-old to each of those wins and will again be in the saddle.

'Librettist has done nothing wrong this year and has won his races well. It is a Group One on Sunday so it will be very tough but I am hoping for the best,' Dettori told www.godolphin.com.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor added: 'Librettist is coming into this race unbeaten for the year and is working well. I am hoping for softish ground because that is what he is best on.'

Connections of Peeress are hoping there is enough cut in the ground to enable the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes winner to take her chance.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained mare was last seen finishing fourth to Rajeem in a falsely-run renewal of the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Prior to that she was unlucky in running when fourth to Marois contender Ad Valorem in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

John Marsh, senior manager to owners Cheveley Park Stud, attributes the crawling pace at Newmarket for Peeress's latest defeat.

'It was a total non-race,' he said. 'It was definitely the false pace that beat her.

'We've planned to run her in France as the easier ground should help her. She was in very good form when I saw her last weekend.

'However, if the ground dries out too much she might not run, and Sir Michael will be keeping an eye on what goes on over there.'

Commenting on the opposition in the all-aged Group One contest, Marsh added: 'Of course everyone is a danger in a race of that nature but I believe she's officially the top-rated of these which is a plus.

'I hope there is a decent pace so she'll be allowed to settle in behind and Ryan Moore can produce her with her customary late run.

'But she's still not a definite starter yet ? we will keep an eye on the ground and take it from there.'

? PA Sport