Dettori in Command as A'Ali Scores in Prix Robert Papin

Frankie Dettori's message to Simon Crisford before the Darley Prix Robert Papin (G2) July 21 was "Leave it to me," and the rider's confidence paid off as A'Ali eased to victory at Deauville under a jockey riding the crest of a wave.

"I must admit, going out of the paddock today it sounded to me like he was planning to make the running, so when I saw him so far back I wondered what was going on," said Crisford after the 4-6 favorite backed up his Norfolk Stakes (G2) victory in the coziest of fashion from runner-up My Love's Passion.

The Richard Fahey-trained Istanbul finished fifth, and Classy Moon and Rayong, both trained by Karl Burke, finished sixth and seventh in a race the British have now won six years in a row.

The winning combination formed a formidable partnership during their time at Godolphin when Crisford was racing manager, and the trainer was effusive about his friend after the race.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have renewed the association with Frankie after all those years at Godolphin—it's something extra special. Frankie's catchphrase now is, 'Leave it to me.' He says, 'I listened to you for 30 years, and I don't have to listen anymore.'"

Dettori has won three of the past five runnings of the Papin, but neither of his previous successes came with the apparent ease exhibited by the son of Society Rock, who quickened smartly two furlongs out and won with any amount in hand. 

The Italian's lowering of his whip inside the final furlong was indicative not just of A'Ali's superiority over his nine rivals but also of the jockey's immense confidence as his wave of irresistible run of form continued.

The day could hardly have started better for the rider as Twist 'n' Shake won the listed Prix de Bagatelle to give Dettori and John Gosden another black-type success. They combined to win the July 20 Kerrygold Irish Oaks (G1) with Star Catcher.

Crisford, reflecting on his star juvenile's performance, said: "He showed another good turn of foot today, and the ground was perfect for him. He picked up really well and then finished his race nicely.

"His buildup had been very straightforward, so we were certainly hopeful coming here. He's an absolute dream. He's not a big colt, but he's all heart and just a very nice character."

Crisford has yet to enjoy success at the top level since turning to training in 2014 but has lofty goals for the winner, with a return to Deauville Aug. 18 for the six-furlong Darley Prix Morny (G1)—a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2T)—likely to trump other possible engagements in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1) or Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).

"Now we're going to look at an obvious step up to group 1 level," he added. "Where that is we're not sure just yet. He's in the Prix Morny, he's in the Phoenix, he's in the Nunthorpe, and at the moment I'd say the Prix Morny is the most likely target for him."

Robin Reliant at Dusseldorf

British success in Europe was not limited to Deauville Sunday, as group 1 winner Robin of Navan returned to top form in the RaceBets.de-Meilen Trophy (G2) at Dusseldorf. 

The Harry Dunlop-trained 6-year-old returned to the winner's enclosure for the first time since June 2017 when powering clear of Indian Blessing, trained by Ed Walker, to win by two lengths.