Dalakhani, a Darshaan half brother to seven times Group I winner Daylami outclassed his rivals to take the Group III Prix des Chênes over a mile at Longchamp yesterday. The two year old colt, previous winner of his only start to date a maiden over seven furlongs, raced in third position behind a decent early pace set by eventual second Mister Charm. He switched gears a furlong and a half out, smoothly overtaking his opponents and was being eased up before the winning post to win by two and a half lengths.

Dalakhani’s impressive display prompted His Highness the Aga Khan to comment: “Dalakhani has achieved everything we have asked of him to date, and the way he finished today was particularly pleasing. He has a very effective turn of foot, and he can sustain his effort.”

His trainer Alain de Royer Dupré added: “He has now confirmed the high opinion we have always had of him. Physically, the colt is a most attractive individual and we could be looking at a race like the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud now. He reminds me more of his sire Darshaan than of his half brother Daylami. He has a fluid action, and an impressive turn of foot.”

The beautifully bred Dalakhani is by Darshaan, and out of the Stakes winning Miswaki mare Daltawa, dam of four winners including Emirates World Champion Daylami, and Daymarti, runner up in the Group I Prix Lupin. Daltawa has a Sadler’s Wells filly yearling to follow Dalakhani into training and is currently in foal to Gilltown Stud stallion, Kalanisi.