Triple Group 1 winning miler looks sure to stay further. The Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s filly delighted connections with an exhilarating performance in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free. After racing in mid-division, the daughter of Zamindar showed her customary turn of foot under Christophe Soumillon to reach the head of affairs in the straight. Darjina took the lead around a furlong out in the 1777m event, and despite displaying her honest and tough nature, eventually had to settle for second place behind the South African Jay Peg.

Alain de Royer Dupré was delighted with the four-year-old and explained on his return, “The run is particularly satisfactory as the filly had not raced for over three months. She will have no problem staying up to 2000m.” Darjina has now earned a short break after her travel and exertions. Her next race is likely to be the Gr 1 Prix d’Ispahan over 1850m at Longchamp on 18th May.

Mourilyan, who carried HH Aga Khan’s colours to two victories and a second place in the Dubai City of Gold during the International Carnival, was sold shortly before the Dubai World Cup Meeting. The colt finished eighth in the Gr 1 Dubai Sheema Classic for new owner Ramzan Kadyrov, President of Chechnya.

In the same contest, Sinndar’s son Youmzain looked as good as ever when finishing fifth. Mick Channon, trainer of last season’s Arc and King George runner up, said, “He was just a bit fresh. We’ll again be looking at the King George and Arc de Triomphe this year.”

Updated on 03/04/2008