INTERNATIONAL RACING REVIEW - PRIX JEAN PRAT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9e4AqKh5KQ

Coming into the race on the back of an eye-catching victory in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, Thesecretadversary looked one of the few proven seven-furlong specialists in the field. Despite the step up in class from his Group Three success, the colt had little trouble handling the rise in quality, dictating matters from the outset under a confident Christophe Soumillon ride. The son of St Mark's Basilica gave trainer Fozzy Stack a deserved first European Group One success.

Behind the winner, True Love (FAV) finished strongly to claim second, further suggesting that a return to a mile could bring out the very best in the filly. She was slow into stride, leaving herself with plenty to do before meeting traffic at a crucial stage as the race developed, making her finishing effort all the more encouraging.

Rayif (2FAV) was another intriguing runner after a minor setback ruled him out of Royal Ascot last month. The French 2,000 Guineas winner never looked comfortable over the trip, struggling to travel with the pace before weakening inside the final two furlongs to finish fifth. A return to a mile—or perhaps even further—appears likely to suit him much better.

Nighttime and Samangan both ran with credit to reward each-way supporters, while outsiders Time To Turn, Go Man and Imperior filled the final three positions.

An interesting statistical note is that the draw proved remarkably significant, with the horses drawn in stalls one through five filling the first five places in exactly that order.

As for Thesecretadversary, Stack suggested afterwards that the colt may possess even more speed than first thought, with a six-furlong target at Haydock a possible next destination. He remains the standout performer to take from this race. Already a consistent force over seven furlongs, he appears to be sharpening with every start. If that progression continues, could he emerge alongside the likes of Venetian Sun and Comanche Brave among Europe's leading three-year-olds? Time will tell... Full Race Result written by Andrew Nicoll