Often noted for their top class middle distance performers, the Aga Khan Studs are also adept at producing precocious speedsters. This has been amply demonstrated in recent months by Siyouni (Pivotal), winner of the early Listed Prix La Flèche last season before going on to take the Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère. Sunday’s Prix du Bois winner Keratiya (Iron Mask) is further proof of this new tendency.

The filly raced towards the rear of the field in the early stages of this first Group contest of the French calendar for juveniles and engaged top gear a furlong and a half from home. Keratiya knuckled down well to her task, finishing fast to secure victory in a photo finish for the five furlong contest.

Welcoming his charge back into the Chantilly winners’ enclosure, trainer Jean-Claude Rouget commented, “She has a short but very powerful acceleration. Last time out she was beaten by a lack of experience. The Prix Robert Papin (Gr.2, 25th July) could come a little soon so we may well wait and go directly to the Prix Morny at Deauville (Gr.1, 22nd August).”

Keratiya is from a precocious family as she is the second offspring of Kerasha (Daylami) who won in June of her juvenile season. Her first foal Kermiyan (Green Desert) won at Clairefontaine and was beaten just a neck into second place in the Listed Criterium de l’Ouest as a two-year-old last year, and he has won two further races to date during his three-year-old campaign. Keratiya’s granddam Keraka lifted the Gr.3 Anglesey Stakes as a two-year-old as well as finishing fourth in the Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes.

In the afternoon’s feature Gr.1 Prix Jean Prat, Siyouni put up a sterling performance to take second place behind Dick Turpin. Unlucky in his previous two outings, the colt enjoyed a clear run on this occasion and quickened well in the straight. Siyouni will now be rested during the summer and return for the Gr.1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on 5th September.