Two highly promising middle distance prospects emerged among the three year old colts owned and bred by the Aga Khan Studs last week. Khalkevi, a well bred son of Kahyasi, and the six length winner of his only start at two, kept his unbeaten record when lengthening clear of his rivals in a competitive conditions’ race at Maisons-Laffitte on April 19. Tucked in just behind the leaders, Khalkevi accelerated impressively on entering the straight and went on to win by a cosy 1 ½ lengths from some well bred and highly regarded individuals. Khalkevi now heads for the Group 2 Prix Hocquart on 8th May, a recognised Prix du Jockey-Club trial.

Khalkevi is by proven Group I Sire Kahyasi, who now stands at the Aga Khan Studs Haras de Bonneval in France alongside Sendawar. His dam, Khalisa, was a dual Group 3 winner taking the Prix Cleopatre and the Prix Chloe, before finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Opera. Her first foal, Khaliyna was fourth in last year’s Group II Prix de Sandringham behind Banks Hill. Khalisa also has a two year old filly by Linamix in training with Alain de Royer Dupre and an attractive filly foal by Sendawar from his first crop of foals.

Across the Channel in England, Balakheri ran out the three length winner of the 23 runner Swaffham Handicap at Newmarket during the Craven Meeting on his seasonal debut. The son of Theatrical was never far from the leaders throughout the 10 furlong contest and took up the lead over two furlongs from home, before running on strongly to finish well clear of his nearest rival. Balakheri has previously hacked up by three lengths in a Nottingham maiden on his final start as a two year old.

Balakheri is by Theatrical out of the Alzao mare Balanka, who is a half sister to the dam of Bering. Balanka was a Listed winner over ten furlongs, and finished third in the Prix de l’Opera (Group II) and the Prix Chloe (Group III) as well as being fourth in the Prix de Diane (Group I) and the Matriarch Stakes (Group I).