INTERNATIONAL RACING REVIEW - PRIX JACQUES LE MAROIS

For the second week running, Mickael Barzalona and the famous colours of the Aga Khan stole the headlines as Rayif landed the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois.

The complexion of the race changed dramatically last Tuesday following the shock announcement that unbeaten star Bow Echo had been retired and would therefore miss the Deauville showpiece.

While the news came as a huge disappointment to racing fans across the globe, who had hoped to see more of the hugely talented colt, his absence opened the door for one of his rivals to take centre stage.

That opportunity was seized by Rayif.

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The French 2000 Guineas winner bounced back from a disappointing fifth in the Prix Jean Prat to claim the second Group 1 victory of his career.

Drawn wide, Rayif was dropped towards the rear of the field by Barzalona and remained there for much of the contest. When eventually asked to quicken, his response wasn't immediate, but what the three-year-old lacked in instant acceleration he more than made up for with determination.

Gradually wearing down those ahead of him, Rayif battled his way to the front before sticking his neck out where it mattered to secure another top-level success.

Zeus Olympios, meanwhile, can count himself desperately unlucky after suffering a narrow defeat for the second race in succession.

Running in the colours of the absent Bow Echo, he hit the front inside the final furlong and looked to have every chance of victory. However, jockey Clifford Lee had already lost his whip and was unable to fully drive his mount out in the closing stages, with Rayif eventually prevailing by a neck.

Precise produced another creditable performance to finish third, beaten less than a length. The only filly in the field once again proved capable of competing at the highest level, although she is now without a victory in her last three starts and questions remain over whether she can consistently convert strong performances into Group 1 success.

There was disappointment for the two Japanese raiders, Strauss and Sixpence, who were unable to make an impact.

While the majority of the field remained towards the centre of the track, the Japanese pair raced towards the stands' side before eventually finishing ninth and tenth respectively.

Following another underwhelming result after Japan's representatives also struggled in the King George, connections will be left searching for answers as their wait for further major European success continues.

Looking ahead, the Prix Jacques le Marois could prove to be one of the key form lines for the remainder of the season.

Several of those who lined up at Deauville could meet again at Ascot on Champions Day in October and, with the likes of Opera Ballo and Gstaad potentially entering the equation, the stage could be set for one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the year. written by Andrew Nicoll