Almanzor stars on Deauville return

A trip to Leopardstown for the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes looms large for Almanzor following an impressive display in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.

Despite winning four of his previous six starts, the Wootton Bassett colt was a relatively unconsidered 20/1 shot for the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly at the start of June but looked every inch another top-class performer for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget in running out a decisive winner.

Making his first appearance since, the three-year-old was an 11/4 chance to prove his French Derby triumph was no fluke and after being ridden with confidence by Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Almanzor showed a smart change of gear to claim a comfortable victory by a length.

French Derby runner-up Zarak, a son of the great racemare Zarkava, confirmed the Classic form by finishing a clear second once more.

Sky Bet cut Almanzor to 8/1 from 12/1 for the Irish …

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