Prime Defender set for Deauville

Prime Defender is expected to show his true colours when trying six and a half furlongs in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday.

There was a valid reason for his disappointing performance in the July Cup as he was found to have lost a plate when trailing home in 11th place behind Starspangledbanner at Newmarket.

The Barry Hills-trained sprinter had finished much closer to Aidan O'Brien's speedster from a poor draw in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"Unfortunately he pulled a shoe off in the July Cup and he was sore for a good three or four days afterwards," Hills' son and assistant Charlie told At The Races.

"We had to be easy with him and lay off for a week after that race. He's going well now again and we're looking forward to Sunday.

"We couldn't be more pleased with him. He was a little bit unfortunate with the draw at Ascot, but he wasn't beaten very far, about four lengths that day, so he ran a pretty good race there.

"Hopefully we can come on from that run.

"He's been around the world and he's got used to the travelling involved. It's a trip he should enjoy and the ground shouldn't be a problem.

"It looks a very open race now with Paco Boy not going so there are many horses in there with a good chance."

A field of 15 includes three other British challengers - Dandy Nicholls' Regal Parade, Jeremy Noseda's Arabian Gleam and the William Haggas-trained High Standing.

Among a strong home team are War Artist, Planet Five, Varenar, Joanna and the unbeaten Chopouest.