Richard Hannon: Paco on course for French raid

Richard Hannon insists that it will be a last-minute decision but it looks likely that his Queen Anne Stakes winner Paco Boy will fly the flag for Britain in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

With the colt's Sussex Stakes conqueror Rip Van Winkle due to miss the Group 1 after his Goodwood exertions last month, the trainer is keen for Paco Boy to take his chance in Sunday's one-mile contest.

Initial reaction from Richard Hughes following the Sussex Stakes was to give the four-year-old a break - "the zip has temporarily gone and he needs freshening up" was the jockey's advice to the owners - but having assessed recent gallops, the in-form Hannon is ready to give it a go.

"We'll wait and see what is left in the race but I have been very happy with Paco Boy since Goodwood and I do not subscribe to the view that he produced a below-par run," he said.

"It is hard to give so much weight to the three-year-olds and, having gone one hell of a gallop, he never gave up the chase and still had Ghanaati behind in third. Paco Boy is rated 126 and that is good enough to win the French race most years.

"However, there is no way that I want to break Paco Boy's heart, and if we think that the Deauville race is not right we will wait for the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp's Arc meeting.