Godolphin’s Earthlight aims to extend perfect run at Deauville

Earthlight will look to extend his undefeated run to seven as he spearheads Godolphin’s two entries in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville today.

Joining the Andre Fabre-trained colt is Charlie Appleby’s Space Blues in the 11-runner field run over the six and-a-half furlong trip.

A one-time 2000 Guineas prospect, Earthlight suffered an injury that ruled him out of the English Classic. Earthlight returned to action by landing the Listed Prix Kistena on July 12.

He now remains on course for a third Group 1 prize after victories in the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville and Newmarket’s Middle Park Stakes. Mickael Barzalona, who has been on board Earthlight in all six races, is atop him again.

“Earthlight’s juvenile form is among the best around and he comes into this race in excellent condition,” Fabre told the Godolphin website.

William Buick partners Space Blues as he returns on the back of a career-best victory in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes over seven furlongs at Goodwood on July 28.

The Dubawi colt is unbeaten in three European starts so far this season, including the seven-furlong Group 3 Prix de la Porte Maillot at Longchamp in June.

“Space Blues has come out of the Lennox Stakes in good form,” Appleby said. “He ran well in this race last year and, with the way he has performed so far this year, we are heading back very confident that he can run a big race.”

Elsewhere, Godolphin’s Shared Sense looks to further his Kentucky Derby ambitions when he takes on Art Collector for a second time at the Ellis Park Derby over nine furlongs at Ellis Park.