The Aga Khan Studs will be represented by a draft of 11 colts and geldings at Arqana’s forthcoming Autumn Sale on 16th November.

Zarkava’s half-brother Zourkhan is likely to be the highlight of the consignment, which combines superb pedigrees and proven ability on the racecourse.

By Shamardal, three-year-old Zourkhan has been allowed plenty of time by Alain de Royer-Dupré and he recently opened his account over a mile and three quarters on 14th October at Saint-Cloud, after being placed on his first two outings. The colt boasts a top-class dual purpose pedigree, as in addition to Zarkava, he counts quadruple Grade 1 winning hurdler Zarkandar among his siblings.

Lot 161 Visandi (Azamour) is another Group 1 half-brother, being out of the same dam as five Stakes performers including Vadawina and Vazira who were successful at the highest level. The son of much-missed dual purpose sire Azamour has won one race and been placed twice to date.

Other promising profiles are those of dual winner Sehrish, lot 160, a son of High Chaparral whose two victories have come over ten furlongs, and lot 159 Sanam, a son of More Than Ready out of a sister to the dam of Siyouni, a first-three finisher on all three appearances in 2015 including a second place on his latest outing at Deauville on 23rd October.

Consistent gelding Cayirli, lot 195, by Medicean, is the winner of one race over 10 furlongs and placed on his other three outings this year. He is the first offspring of a half-sister to French Guineas winner and sire Clodovil.

Since the publication of the Arqana catalogue, lot 130 Zaziyr lost his maiden tag in convincing style at Chantilly in early November. The progressive son of Cape Cross was racing for the second time and he is a half-brother to Group 3 scorer Ziyarid.

In all, this promising draft features seven winners and two placed individuals. The sole unraced entry is Shaywan, by Sinndar, a full-brother to dual Group 1 victrix and Arc runner-up Shareta.