3 minute read

The winners of the Prix François Boutin and the Jacques le Marois were even more impressive when the heavy going is factored in.

Jessica Marcialis steered the perfect course on Tiger Tanaka in the Boutin to win by two lengths from La Gioiosa and Unveil.  The more experienced Tiger Tanaka was too strong for his less experienced rivals.

Palace Pier looks like he could be the top miler in Europe after he won the Jacques le Marois under Frankie Dettori who was able to produce a flying dismount to boot.  Dettori had Palace Pier settled at the rear of the field and then brought him forward and found all the gears needed for a top finish.  Alpine Star was also a creditable finisher as she did her best to keep pace with the winner but in the end he was too strong.  Circus Maximus was 5 lengths away in third and he together with the rest of the field didn't seem to cope with the going.

The Prix Minerve saw another strong finish – this time from David Menuisier's Wonderful Tonight with Tony Piccone in the irons.  They were stronger than the favourite Valia who was 2 ½ lengths back with Paix third in the 8 runner field.