Connections hope for rain to assist Big Rock at his next appointment

Maurizio Guarnieri hopes for favourable weather as Big Rock aims to improve on last year’s second place in the Prix Jacques le Marois next month.

The son of Rock Of Gibraltar finished behind Inspiral in last year’s Deauville Group One but ended the season on a high by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. 

Previously trained by Christopher Head, Big Rock is now with Guarnieri at Chantilly, with Christophe Soumillon taking over from Aurelien Lemaitre.

After two unsuccessful attempts in the UK earlier this season, Big Rock will race on home soil for the first time this year. Connections are hoping for rain to ensure soft ground at Deauville.

Guarnieri said, “Big Rock is fine after Ascot and will run in the Jacques le Marois on August 11. I’m hoping for some rain to help him.”