Two further wide margin winners have confirmed Sendawar’s status as leading first season sire in France as the season draws to a close, giving breeders plenty of promise for 2005. Yesterday at Saint-Cloud, Zenon ran out the five length winner of a competitive conditions’ event impressing both professionals and the media. Clearly benefiting from his third place first time out at Longchamp, Zenon soon took charge of proceedings, quickening clear of his rivals in the straight to win by an unextended five lengths.

His impressive performance prompted French racing newspaper Paris Turf to comment: “We saw the revelation of a real talent in Zenon, who totally outclassed his rivals”. Trainer David Smaga said: “To say that I wasn’t expecting him to win would be untrue. I think he is quite simply very good!” whilst owner breeder Baron Van Zuylen added: “It’s incredible what success I have with Aga Khan stallions!”

A few days earlier, Tounsi’s six length debut victory at Marseille had also been noticed by the Paris Turf which commented: “Jean-Marc Capitte won first time out with a talented filly in Tounsi in the Prix des Coudes.”