SECOND POULICHES HEROINE FOR ZAMINDAR
Taken from the EBN
Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s filly Darjina was responsible for
shattering the dreams of a sensational 1,000 Guineas double for
Finsceal Beo (Mr Greeley) in yesterday’s Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des
Pouliches at Longchamp.
The Jim Bolger-trained filly, making a quick reappearance after
her Newmarket Classic triumph of just a week earlier, was clear on
the rails as they entered the closing stages, but Darjina swept
home and cut her down in the final few strides to win in a photo
finish.
The Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Darjina could attempt to
maintain her unbeaten record in the Coronation Stakes or Prix de
Diane, while Finsceal Beo heads for a third 1,000 Guineas at the
Curragh. Darjina was following in the footsteps of her paternal
half-sister Zenda, who triumphed in this Classic in 2002. Their
sire, ZAMINDAR (Gone West), is resident at Juddmonte’s Banstead
Manor Stud.
Updates from the Racing Post -
Darjina dug deep to take the advantage with less than 50 yards
to run. The daughter of ZAMINDAR is now unbeaten in three races
and still looks very much on the upgrade.
'That was extraordinary and Darjina was very brave,' said her
owner in the winners enclosure, before adding: 'I thought she was
given a brilliant ride.'
A more relaxed Royer-Dupre said: 'She performs less well when
there is cut in the ground but it wasn't deep today - just a little
on the soft side. She's better on good or firmer. I think Darjina
can improve even further and we have several options now. She
should stay further, so the Prix de Diane comes into the reckoning
and, of course, there is the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.'
Princess Zahra added, 'I've just three horses in training with
Alain and we've now won four Group 1s in just over nine
months.'
Soumillon said of his mount: 'She didn't start too well so I
couldn't be close up early on. I decided to race on the outside of
the others and bring her up the middle of the track. The filly
accelerate on three occasions in the straight and that is a sign of
a top-class horse. She has a lot of speed at the end of her
races.'
Date:
14 May 2007