Dalakhani confirmed his status as leading French Derby contender when extending his unbeaten run to five in the Prix Lupin at Longchamp yesterday. Always travelling smoothly in third place under stable jockey Christophe Soumillon, Dalakhani quickened past his rivals effortlessly and was not pressed to hold the late challenge of Super Celebre. He was being eased up at the post to win by an easy looking length, with Alberto Giacometti a further three quarters of a length away in third.

This latest devastating performance earned Dalakhani this following compliments from Soumillon, who was reported to have used only four of Dalakhani’s seven gears in the Prix Greffulhe: “I’ve still got two gears left, as I haven’t used my whip and he will be better again with another furlong and a half to travel.”

He added: “What can I say other than he is a true wonder horse? He is unbelievably impressive - just like a fighter plane.”

His Highness The Aga Khan added: “He is a very, very high quality racehorse, with a magnificent pedigree, and he didn’t show anything here that suggests he won’t get a mile and a half. He has a lovely attitude and nothing worries him”

Dalakhani is a Darshaan half brother to Gilltown based Daylami, who won seven Group Is during his race career, and is expecting his first two year olds runners in 2003.