Prix Morny Set for Thrilling Contest at Deauville

The 2,000 Guineas picture will become clearer on Sunday with the running of the Prix Morny at Deauville, where Holy Roman Emperor and Dutch Art are set to clash in a thrilling contest. Holy Roman Emperor, the ante-post favorite for the Newmarket Classic, is expected to make a quick reappearance in the French race, where he will face stiff opposition from unbeaten Dutch Art, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam.

Key Takeaways:

• Holy Roman Emperor, the 2,000 Guineas ante-post favorite, is expected to run in the Prix Morny at Deauville on Sunday.
• Dutch Art, an unbeaten Royal Ascot winner, will meet Holy Roman Emperor in the Prix Morny, with trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam confident in his horse's abilities.
• Aidan O'Brien, Holy Roman Emperor's trainer, will decide on the Guineas favorite's participation in the Prix Morny by mid-week.
• George Washington, a Ballydoyle stablemate of Holy Roman Emperor, has been ruled out of the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown and is unlikely to run in the Prix Morny.
• The Prix Morny will face stiff competition from other entrants, including Elhamri, a Royal Ascot scorer, and Hamoody, a Group Two winner at Glorious Goodwood.
• The 48-hour declaration system is proving challenging for trainers, with 13 non-runners declared at Thirsk due to the wet weather.
• Kieren Fallon, Holy Roman Emperor's regular partner, is banned from riding in Britain, which could affect the Guineas favorite's participation in the Prix Morny.

Statistics:

• 77 horses were initially declared to run at Thirsk, but 13 were eventually declared non-runners.
• The going at Thirsk changed from good to firm to good to soft in the space of 24 hours.
• 6-1 is the current odds for Holy Roman Emperor to win the 2,000 Guineas.

Sources:

• The Telegraph (cited, exact date not specified)
• Racing Post (cited, exact date not specified)
• Newmarket's July meeting (cited, exact date not specified)
• Glorious Goodwood meeting (cited, exact date not specified)