Oaks win for Makfi’s Sofia Rosa, Sea The Stars’ Harzand shows Derby potential. Makfi enjoyed Classic glory thanks to his daughter Sofia Rosa, winner of the Gr. 1 Australian Oaks at Randwick. This was the third Group success in 2016 for the New Zealand-trained filly, who also recently finished a nose second in the Gr. 1 New Zealand Oaks. From the first Southern Hemisphere crop of Makfi, who was based at Westbury Stud when shuttling, Sofia Rosa is his second Group 1 winner in the region together with juvenile champion Marky Mark.

Makfi, currently standing at Haras de Bonneval, is also sire of European Classic winner Make Believe and more recently, Gr.3 Prix Edmond Blanc winner Maimara.

In Europe, Sea The Stars’ son Harzand staked his Classic claims at the weekend with an authoritative victory in the Gr. 3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown. The Dermot Weld trained colt demonstrated both stamina and class in the ten furlong event, running on well inside the final furlong to take the lead and finish a length and a quarter ahead of his nearest rival.

The progressive Harzand was claiming his second success of the season having won his maiden by 16 lengths in March and he looks to have a very bright future, with further improvement to come.

Harzand holds entries in the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and the French Derby.

Owned and bred by H.H. the Aga Khan, Harzand is by Gilltown Stud stallion Sea The Stars, sire of Classic winners Taghrooda and Sea The Moon as well as Classic hope Cloth Of Stars, successful in the Gr.3 Prix La Force last week. His dam Hazariya (Xaar), a Group 3 winner, is a half-sister to Irish Oaks third Hazarista, and has already produced three Stakes performers including Group 3 scorer Harasiya.

Updated on 12/04/2016.