Winner of the Grade II San Luis Obispo Handicap in 2002, Nazirali, an Aga Khan bred son of Kahyasi, looks set for a successful 2003 campaign after taking a competitive allowance race at Santa Anita yesterday.

Making his seasonal debut, Nazirali raced keenly in second last position, before moving up three wide in the turn and taking the lead a furlong out, and holding on gamely to win from Okawango and Murano.

In doing so, he beat a very competitive field, finishing ahead of Group I French Grand Critérium winner Okawango, and another French Stakes winner in Murano who finished third. Nazirali will no doubt be aimed back at a higher level next time out.

This success heralds the start of another successful season for Kahyasi, already sire of 25 Stakes winners including 5 Group I winners, and with several promising three years olds for 2003 looking to add to this tally.