The success of Zarkandar in the recent Gr.1 Grand Prix d’Automne hurdle provides a timely boost for the Aga Khan Studs consignment at the forthcoming Arqana November mixed sale. The Azamour half-brother to champion Zarkava was sold privately by his breeders before going on to win nine Graded contests over hurdles for trainer Paul Nicholls, including four top-level events at Cheltenham, Aintree and Auteuil. The Aga Khan Studs are renowned for the success of their graduates after public sale and sold future French Champion Hurdlers Mandali and Zaiyad in the Arqana ring.

The November catalogue features a trio of promising Aga Khan bred colts, including Ziriyan who is out of a half-sister to Zarkava and Zarkandar. Offered as lot 140, Ziriyan is by Zamindar, like five-time Group 1 victrix Zarkava. A winner over a mile and placed second three times, the Mikel Delzangles-trained Ziriyan also counts Group 3 winners Zarshana and Zarkiya, as well as Group 1 runner-up over hurdles Zarkali, among his relatives.

Ziriyan will be followed through the ring by Ashkannd, a blue-blooded son of Sinndar and dual Group 2 winner Ashalanda (Linamix). The Listed-placed colt has been extremely consistent to date for Alain de Royer Dupré. Placed over a mile to a mile and a half, he boasts a handicap mark of 43.5 (rating 96).

Two-year-old Bukhari (lot 139) has already won two races for his sire Dalakhani and placed fifth in the Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux. This colt is out of dual Stakes placed Brofalya (Fasliyev) and is presented by Jean-Claude Rouget.