I am in no doubt that he should be capable of developing into a Group 1 performer later in the season based on the evidence that we have from this performance.

"I thought that he was the best horse in this field and he should get the chance to go one better with a clear run around next time".

There are just one or two signs from the All-Weather cards that some of the better horses are stepping up their preparations for the season ahead. One such sign came in the final race on Friday nights card at Deauville in the Prix Priolo.

This race has a serious pedigree. The last 3 renewals have all been won by Jean-Claude Rouget with Ace Impact (2023), Arrow Eagle (2024) and Leffard (2025) who all went on to win in Group 1 company. Here's my review of the 2026 renewal.

Jean-Claude Rouget is no stranger to the Cagnes-Sur-Mer winner’s enclosure, but he won’t have had too many winners here that were as comfortable as AFANDY.