Wednesday 1 June 2011
A remarkable total of eight sons and daughters of Gilltown Stud sires AZAMOUR and DALAKHANI could take their chances in the forthcoming weekend’s Classics after recent forfeits were announced for Epsom and Chantilly.
The British Derby challenge for the Aga Khan Studs stallions is lead by Native Khan, a grey son of AZAMOUR who counts two Group 3 victories to his credit in addition to a most creditable third place in the 2000 Guineas. Trainer Ed Dunlop has left his colt in the Prix du Jockey-Club after Tuesday’s first forfeit but he is expected to run at Epsom where he will be among the favourites.
Two sons of DALAKHANI are likely to line up in the Epsom Derby, including H.H. the Aga Khan’s Vadamar. Alain de Royer Dupré’s charge was the impressive winner of the Listed Prix François Mathet at Saint-Cloud in April before a third place in the Gr 2 Prix Greffulhe. The improving son of Group 1 winner Vadawina will take his chance after pleasing connections in his work on the gallops at Chantilly.
Godolphin’s progressive Ocean War is the second son of DALAKHANI in the Derby field and he has won both his races this season, including the Listed Newmarket Stakes. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told the press he had done very well so far and that the distance should suit him.
The first day of the Epsom Derby Festival will see AZAMOUR’s daughter Siren’s Song take part in the Oaks. The Irish-trained filly has only raced twice to date, winning the Listed Salsabil Stakes at Navan in good style on her latest outing.
At Chantilly on Sunday, three sons of DALAKHANI could attempt to follow in their sire’s footsteps with success in the Gr 1 Prix du Jockey-Club. Jean-Claude Rouget’s charge Baraan will carry the same famous silks as his illustrious father, and he earned his place in the French Derby with a smooth victory in the Gr 3 Prix la Force, defeating subsequent Group winners Prairie Star and Pour Moi. He could be accompanied by the highly-regarded Sano Di Pietro and Reliable Man, both trained by Alain de Royer Dupré.
AZAMOUR could be represented by Colombian who would be making a significant step up in class after winning a maiden at Chester in May.
Updated on 01/06/2011.
