Friday 15 June 2012
H.H. the Aga Khan’s representatives are currently enjoying a fine streak of form, with the stable collecting nine victories in the last six days, including two at Stakes level.
ALANZA’s winning performance in the Gr 3 Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown is the highlight of the week so far, which will culminate with a strong challenge in the Gr 1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly on Sunday. ALANZA (Dubai Destination) is already proven in this category, having won the Gr 3 Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster last season as well as a pair of Listed contests at Tipperary and Cork. Trained by John Oxx, ALANZA is a daughter of Listed victrix Alasha (Barathea), and her next engagement is likely to be in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. Her Nayef half-brother Alindjar will be offered for sale in the forthcoming Arqana Summer sale.
SHARESTAN deservedly opened his Stakes account on Sunday in the Listed Silver Stakes at the Curragh. This four-year-old son of Shamardal is extremely consistent, having only raced on six occasions for two wins, two second places and two thirds. From the family of Shahrastani, he is a half-brother to Group 3 winning mare Shareen (Bahri).
Of the seven remaining successes, Mizani (Bachelor Duke) and Shamooda (Azamour) were both scoring for the second time in their short Irish careers. Mizani, a grandson of Prix Jacques le Marois heroine Miss Satamixa, appears a very promising prospect after winning his second of three races by eight and a half lengths. Now winner of two handicaps, Shamooda is a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Shemima (Dalakhani) and Listed scorers Shemala (Danehill) and Shemaya (Darshaan).
Also in Ireland, juvenile HARASIYA who is a daughter of Pivotal and Group 3 victrix Hazariya (Xaar) was successful on her first racecourse appearance, while Vedani (Dalakhani) shed his maiden tag at the second time of asking at the Curragh.
In France, Aga Khan three-year-olds began the week with a double in Class B contests at Longchap thanks to Khalidabad (Nayef) and Verema (Barathea). At Compiègne, the stable recorded a one-two in the Prix de la Michellette unraced fillies’ contest, with Mansera (Manduro) finishing ahead of Dayita (Dansili). This pair are very well-bred, as the former is a half-sister to triple Australian Group 1 winner Manighar (Linamix) and the latter a half-sister to multiple Group 1 scorers and sires Dalakhani (Darshaan) and Daylami (Doyoun).
Updated on 15/06/2012.
