Victoire Magique proved toughest in a marathon war of attrition at Deauville, taking the Listed Prix Michel Houyvet (4:07 UK time) at 29/10 under Cristian Demuro — and handing this site’s Deauville preview its most confident verdict of the day.
| Pos | Horse | Jockey | SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Victoire Magique | C Demuro | 29/10 |
| 2nd | Barzambition | M Barzalona | 9/2 |
| 3rd | Aeronef | M Guyon | 11/5F |
The Race Story
Run over an extended mile and six furlongs on soft ground, this Listed test for three-year-old stayers is billed as a St Leger-style pointer for French staying types, and it produced a finish to match the billing: a neck separated Victoire Magique from Barzambition at the line, with favourite Aeronef only three quarters of a length further back in third and a short head to the fourth.
The first four were covered by less than two lengths after 3,000 metres of racing, but Demuro had timed it best, and Victoire Magique — who set the standard on form coming in — found the most when it mattered on ground that stretched every stamina reserve in the field of nine.
Amy Murphy’s stable takes the Listed prize, and connections can now dream of a tilt at the autumn staying programme.
Tipster Accountability
The morning preview nailed it: “Victoire Magique — a confident selection in a race that is all about getting home” was the verdict at around 3/1, and the 29/10 winner delivered. It is the second winning verdict of the day on the Deauville card after Drazinda in the opener. The value call, Box Officer, missed the frame, while Aeronef was sent off the 11/5 favourite and found one too strong. None of the tracked tipsters in today’s tipster review had bets in this race, so the ledgers stand unchanged.
Looking Ahead
The Deauville finale is the 5:15 Prix de Crepon, a fiercely competitive 16-runner handicap over seven and a half furlongs in which the preview’s pick is last-time-out winner Haditouni under Mikael Barzalona. A high draw has historically carried an edge on the straight course — worth remembering on soft ground. Earlier on the card, Mayra sprang a 10/1 surprise in the Prix des Marettes.
