Rated 126, Azamour is currently the highest rated horse in Europe and lies 2nd behind Ghostzapper (128) in the World Rankings to 31st July. Azamour shares his 126 rating with Motivator and Shamardal. Given that Ghostzapper and Shamardal have both been retired from racing, the likely clash of Motivator and Azamour in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown will be one of the highlights of the 2005 racing calendar.

The World's second highest rated filly, Sinndar's daughter Shawanda, is rated 121, just below Divine Proportions on 123. Other Aga Khan connections rated 123 are the dual Group 1 winning son of Daylami, Grey Swallow, Sussex Stakes winner Proclamation, out of the Aga Khan's Zayyani mare Shamarra, and His Highness's own Valixir out of the Linamix mare Vadlamixa.

Valixir faces a showdown with other top class Group 1 performers, amongst them last Sunday's Maurice de Gheest winner Whipper, Irish 2000 Guineas winner Dubawi, and the aforementioned Divine Proportions, in what promises to be a scintillating Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville this Sunday. Updated 10/08/2005.