Leading French Derby contender Dalakhani ran out the effortless winner of the Group II Prix Greffulhe on his seasonal debut yesterday. Settled into third position on the rail behind a moderate early pace, Dalakhani was not extended in the straight to take a convincing lead from his four rivals. Dalakhani’s total superiority belied the half length winning distance, confirmed by Christophe Soumillon’s enthusiastic post race comments:

“Dalakhani is a very good horse and a super champion. He only stops in front because he thinks his work is done. He accelerated into the lead and again when challenged later on. He was in a class of his own and I only used four of his seven gears. There were still 5,000 rpm’s left in the motor.”

His Highness The Aga Khan added: “He had a beautiful action right from the start and showed a superb acceleration when Christophe Soumillon asked him to quicken.”

Dalakhani’s main objective will be the Prix du Jockey-Club, but he may well run in the Prix Lupin beforehand.

A Group I winner at two, the beautifully bred Dalakhani is a Darshaan half brother to seven time Group I winner Daylami, as well as the Stakes winner and dual Group I placed Daymarti.