Major leads Deauville challenge

Major Cadeaux faces 12 rivals as he bids to regain the winning thread in Sunday’s Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Richard Hannon’s colt created a big impression in winning the Greenham Stakes in April before finishing a respectable sixth in the 2000 Guineas.

Following a near two-month break, Major Cadeaux was edged out by Silver Touch in the seven-furlong Criterion Stakes at the end of June, leaving connections looking forward to the upcoming French test.

Richard Hannon jr, son and assistant to his father, said: “He’s in very good form. I think the ground was too soft for him last time and he just couldn’t quicken on it.

“Hopefully, conditions will be better in France and I think he has a really good chance.

“Coming back to six and a half furlongs will suit him and the plan is to keep him in training next year.

“Win, lose or draw this weekend, he’ll be winning big races in the future.”

Silver Touch will again be in opposition at the weekend, along with Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Dutch Art, who finished second to Sakhee’s Secret in the July Cup last month.

Marchand D’Or finished fourth in the Newmarket showpiece and takes his chance for Freddie Head, while an in-form Godolphin outfit rely on Bygone Days.

Of the last-named runner, handler Saeed bin Suroor said: “Bygone Days has plenty of speed and a good turn of foot.

“He is happy, fresh and in good condition, and has come out of his last race very well,” he told www.godolphin.com.

“The Prix Maurice de Gheest looks the right race for him. The trip will be fine and we are hoping for a good run.”

David Nicholls runs Moss Vale, while the presence of Australian raider Bentley Biscuit adds further spice to the contest.

Of the former, who has not been seen since finishing down the field in the King’s Stand Stakes, Nicholls said: “Moss Vale runs on Sunday and is in good order.

“It’s a tough race but he’s not going there for the scenery.”