Blue Bolt and Precise renew rivalry in Prix Rothschild at Deauville

Blue Bolt and Precise meet for the second time this season in a cracking renewal of the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on Sunday.

Their paths first crossed just three weeks ago in the Falmouth on the July course, when the year older Blue Bolt came out on top with a clear-cut two-length win.

Her trainer Andrew Balding and owners Juddmonte followed up in the King George last weekend with Kalpana, while Item added a Group Two at York to kick-start what they hope will be a fabulous midsummer spree.

Blue Bolt has now won six of her nine career races and sets a very high standard, with the only unknown being this will be her first run abroad.

Balding said: “She seems in good nick and if she repeats the performance from Newmarket she will take a lot of beating.

“She’s been a star this year and the only factor is she has never travelled far from home to run before. But if she takes the travel in her stride then she should hold every chance of continuing her winning run.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Precise has been best of her sex and generation over a mile with wins in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes.

She receives less weight from Blue Bolt on this occasion.

O’Brien said: “She’s in good form, she was stood in the gates a little bit long the last day and lost a couple of lengths and turned her head a little bit.

“Hopefully she won’t do that the next day and give away those lengths. It’s hard to do that at somewhere like Newmarket, especially at the July meeting where you are going straight down.

“We’re happy with everything she’s doing and looking forward to seeing her again, she’s been a special filly for us so far.”

Another British-trained contender is Sir Mark Prescott’s Moon Target.

The Cracksman filly looked good early last season and pushed Precise all the way in a Group Three at Goodwood, but then her form tailed off. Her fourth in the Coronation on her first outing this season, though, was a big step back in the right direction.

“On the figures and official ratings she has got quite a bit to do, but her form is closer than that and we think she is well worth the trip,” said Prescott.

“We haven’t got so much to find with Precise from Ascot (she was beaten two lengths in fourth). It would be possible wouldn’t it? She is a valuable filly for the stud and Cheveley Park – they want that kind of animal. So we are very happy to have a go, but we realise it is a big ask.

“She has got good placings but a win is what we would like.”

Karl Burke’s Evolutionist is another making the trip.