Two Gr.2 victories and a Listed success for the Aga Khan Studs and their sires. The Aga Khan’s Arazan entered the Classic reckoning for 2009 when stepping up smoothly in grade to take the Gr 2 Futurity Stakes by an impressive four lengths on Saturday at The Curragh. The colt was making only his second public appearance, three months after a comfortable debut success at Leopardstown. Trainer John Oxx indicated that Arazan is likely to run only once more as a juvenile, and that could be in the Gr 1 National Stakes back at The Curragh on 14th September. Arazan is bred to succeed as he is a half-brother to four-time Group 1 winner and young sire Azamour.

Earlier on this Curragh card, consistent filly Hasanka took the Listed Ballycullen Stakes for the same team of HH Aga Khan, trainer John Oxx and jockey Michael Kinane. The four-year-old was a facile four length winner of the 1 mile 6 furlong contest and she could now target the Irish St Leger. Hasanka has now won two Listed events and also finished second in a pair of Gr 3 races.

Across the Irish Sea, AK sire Dalakhani received yet another boost as his son Centennial lifted the Gr 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at Goodwood. Centennial won the Gr 3 Classic Trial at Sandown in the spring and he could have his chance for Classic glory if his connections decide to supplement the colt for the St Leger, for which he is now favourite after taking this recognised trial. If Centennial were to win the final British Classic of the season, this would be a remarkable exploit for his sire who has already produced one Classic winner, Moonstone, from his first crop.

Updated on 25/08/2008