Thanks to the sale in recent years of future Group 1 performers and producers such as Siyouma (dual Group 1 victrix), Shawanda (dam of St Leger hero Encke) and Zarinia (dam of champion South African filly Igugu), the Aga Khan Studs have earned a well-deserved reputation as a source of top class breeding and racing stock.

This reputation could be further enhanced following Arqana’s Breeding Stock Sale in December, in which the operation has entered yet another high-class consignment.

The draft features proven Group-producing dams Brusca (Grindstone, lot 164) and Vermentina (Darshaan, lot 113). The former is an American bred half-sister to Group 1 runner-up Somali Lemonade. She is the dam of Group 3 winner and Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club third Baraan (Dalakhani) as well as black-type individuals Bruxcalina and Brampour. The latter is a daughter of Prix de Diane heroine Vereva and has already produced 2012 Group 3 scorer Verema. She is in foal to juvenile Group 1 winner Siyouni.

Lot 67 Saga D'Ouilly comes from a most prestigious Lagardère family as the daughter of Linamix is a full sister to Arc winner Sagamix and half-sister to Group 1 winner Sagacity. Two further full sisters have already enjoyed success in the paddocks as the dams of leading first season sire in France Sageburg and Sagawara. Saga d’Ouilly’s daughter by Shamardal, Sagariya, will also be offered as lot 341. This three-year-old filly has won at Chantilly.

Other noteworthy three-year-olds include placed fillies Daltiana (Selkirk, lot 177), whose dam is a full sister to Daylami and half-sister to Dalakhani, and Dirama (Dalakhani, lot 186), out of Group 2 winner Diamond Tango. Once-raced Anayasa (Oratorio, lot 701) comes from another illustrious bloodline as her dam is a half-sister to Astarabad and to the dam of Azamour.

In foal to Desert Style, Stakes placed Clodovina (Rock of Gibraltar, lot 341) is also extremely well-related, being a half-sister to Group 1 winner and sire Clodovil as well as Group 1 placed Colombian (Azamour).