Classic hopes among winners for in-form sires Gilltown Stud stallions Dalakhani and Azamour have enjoyed a fine set of results so far in May, both boasting black-type performers among their numerous winners.

Sire of last year’s ill-fated Prix de Diane herione Valyra, Azamour will have a leading chance in the forthcoming Epsom Oaks thanks to his daughter Liber Nauticus. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained filly maintained her unbeaten record when lifting the Gr3 Musidora Stakes at York recently and should improve further with experience.

Other notable winners for the sire during the month of May have been Gifted Girl, who could now aim for Royal Ascot, as well as the progressive Glorious Protector who opened his account with a two-length success at Windsor, and Stepwise, the impressive winner of a maiden at Navan for trainer John Oxx. In France, four-year-old colt Fantastic Love has collected four wins so far this season, including victories in valuable handicaps on his last two outings.

Not to be outdone, Dalakhani has produced a host of winners in recent weeks, headed by a trio of Listed scorers. The sire could well be represented in the Gr1 Prix de Diane by Listed Prix de la Seine victrix Lava Flow, while Elik also looks sure to go on to better things following her stylish success in the Listed Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood. Four-year-old Khione is another recent Listed winner for Dalakhani and this filly should collect more black-type in the future.

Dalakhani has also sired a number of promising maiden winners in May and these include Royal Ascot-bound Spicy Dal, Raushan, the full sister to Gr1 winner Chinese White, and Centred who is a half-sister to Gr2 scorer Eleanora Duse (Azamour).

Across the Channel, Dakatari and Freud both took the eye when winning maidens at Maisons-Laffitte and Longchamp respectively, while H.H the Aga Khan’s colours were successful thanks to Manndawi who is a half-brother to triple Australian Gr1 hero Manighar (Linamix). Manndawi has a two-year-old half-brother by Sea The Stars and a yearling half-sister by Sinndar.

Updated on the 24/05/2013