Vadamar and Baraan impress in view of Epsom and Chantilly. H.H. the Aga Khan’s pair of Dalakhani colts Vadamar and Baraan have entered the Derby and Jockey-Club picture with stylish wins recently in France.

Vadamar earned his place in the Classic reckoning when accelerating well to lift the Listed Prix François Mathet over 10.5 furlongs at Saint-Cloud on his seasonal debut earlier in the month. After this victory, H.H. the Aga Khan commented, “we think he’s very good and definitely one for a mile and a half.” The Alain de Royer Dupré-trained Vadamar is bred to stay the Classic distance, being a first son of Gr 1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Vadawina (Unfuwain), and by Prix du Jockey Club and Arc hero Dalakhani. Vadamar, who also won a B race as a juvenile, is now likely to head for the Gr 2 Prix Greffulhe in May, back at the left-handed track of Saint-Cloud, and this could set the colt up for a tilt at the Epsom Derby.

Gilltown Stud’s Dalakhani further strengthened his Classic hand a week later thanks to Baraan who dominated the Gr 3 Prix la Force at Longchamp. This son of American winner Brusca (Grindstone) is a half-brother to Stakes performers Bruxcalina and Brampour and he had opened his account earlier this year in an all-weather contest at Deauville for handler Jean-Claude Rouget. After the Longchamp success his owner declared, “Baraan has a lot of speed but will also stay a mile and a half.” The colt’s targets are now the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, which has dropped in distance to ten and a half furlongs since Baraan’s sire Dalakhani was victorious in 2003, followed by a step up in trip to take in the Gr 1 Grand Prix de Paris.

Updated on 12/04/2011.