Fillies keep up Aga Khan legacy in Prix de Diane
The racing world was saddened by the death of Prince Aga Khan IV in February, but it, however, did not spell the end of a golden era.
The famed green and red epaulettes silks are still very much present today, especially on big occasions, as will be the case in the €1 million (S$1.47 million) Group 1 Prix de Diane (2,100m) at Chantilly on June 15.
Taken over by his daughter Zahra, the Aga Khan Studs will bid to better their record of seven wins in the 3YO filly classic popularly known as the French Oaks.
Mandanaba will represent the Princess, while Cankoura will race in the Aga Khan Studs' colours, with both trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, a Prix de Diane winner with Channel in 2019.
"The Diane was a race very dear to the Prince," said Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs, at a press conference.
"For many years, one of the stable's key aims each season has been to field runners with genuine chances in this Classic.
"This year, both family silks will be represented, which is particularly special.
"The Aga Khan Studs are above all breeders. Having fillies capable of excelling in this race is central to the identity of our colours.
"These fillies will then return to the stud, where we hope they will go on to produce more top-class horses."
The current stock itself is testament to the legacy of the powerful outfit and quest for their next Zarkava (their latest champion and 2008 Prix de Diane winner herself), as evidenced by Zarigana's win in the Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (1,600m) on May 11, even if it was won in the ParisLongchamp stewards' room.
The luckless Calandagan again came up second-best, this time against Ballydoyle's Jan Brueghel in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes (2,000m) at Epsom on June 6, while their bid for a sixth Epsom Derby with Midak ended with a midfield finish on the next day.
There is this time an upbeat vibe about their two-pronged Prix de Diane assault, especially Mandanaba, not just for her formline, but also her breeding line.
A cracking third to stablemate Zarigana in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, also known as the French 1000 Guineas, Mandanaba is by Darley stallion Ghaiyyath out of a mare the Princess bred herself, Mandesha.
"Mandanaba also has a lovely backstory. Her dam Mandesha was a champion for Princess Zahra, but did not produce particularly well at stud," said Routh.
"She has now retired and is enjoying life with Zarkava and her companions.
"Mandanaba is her final foal, and the best she's ever produced. That's quite rare."
Routh said the path to the Prix de Diane via the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches should work out well.
"We hesitated for a long time between the Saint-Alary and the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches," referring to the Group 2 event (2,000m) on May 11 won by Gezora, Graffard's third Prix de Diane runner.
"The Poule, being a Classic and a Group 1, was ultimately the preferred choice. Her performance there was very good, and the Poule was only her third outing.
"We're not entirely sure she is a true miler. She has speed, but her pedigree suggests she can stay 2,000 metres.
"Mandanaba is a very generous filly. She likes to race up near the pace, which is an advantage at Chantilly when the ground is good."
Cankoura might have flown under the radar, but the three-time winner by Persian King is not without claims.
After an unlucky defeat in the Listed Prix des Lilas (1,600m) on May 6, she bounced straight back to winning ways in the Listed Prix Finlande (1,800m) at ParisLongchamp at her last start on May 22.
"In the Prix des Lilas, she was really unlucky. Mickael Barzalona didn't ask too much of her," said Routh.
"In the end, she barely ran that day. We wanted to find a race that would give us a clearer picture of her potential.
"The Prix Finlande fit the bill. She was ridden closer to the pace and kicked early in the straight.
"We had expected a more striking performance, but she needed the run, as she hadn't done much work between the Lilas and the Finlande.
"Also, the ground was a little too soft for her. She's honest, willing, and we're hoping for good ground. We believe she still has more to offer.
"Both Mandanaba and Cankoura have speed and can race prominently, which is a plus at Chantilly in good conditions."
While Mandanaba was ridden by Maxime Guyon at her last start, no jockey has been booked yet while Cankoura will be partnered by Clement Lecoeuvre.
manyan@sph.com.sg
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