Dalakhani confirmed his Classic potential with a thrilling victory in the Group I Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on Saturday. Kept in a handy position for much of the race, Dalakhani accelerated well in the straight to finish a neck ahead of long time leader Chevalier, the pair were five lengths clear of the rest of the field.

The two year old son of Darshaan thus maintained his unbeaten record, having run out the impressive winner of a seven furlong maiden at Deauville first time out, and more recently made light of his opposition in the Group III Prix des Chênes over a mile.

Dalakhani is a half brother to Emirates World Champion Daylami, winner of 7 Group I races, and now standing at Gilltown Stud.

Dalakhani’s victory prompted the following praise from his trainer Alain de Royer Dupré:

“Now this race is in the bag, all options are open. He comes from a family which improves at three and Christophe only had to use his hands and heels, which was a good thing. He will have no problem in staying further and may start next season in something like the Gr II Prix Greffulhe.”

His jockey, Christophe Soumillon added:

“Dalakhani has a lot of class and we had a perfect race. We won with a little in hand. The conditions were very testing, and his performance today was outstanding. I think he will be better over a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half, and is a Classic horse for next year.”