ZARKAVA STARS IN LONGCHAMP TRIALS

Article taken from the EBN

Yesterday’s three Classic trials at Longchamp produced deeply impressive performances. A daughter of Banstead Manor Stud’s ZAMINDAR, the European Champion Juvenile Filly Zarkava coasted home in the Gr.3 Prix de la Grotte to rekindle memories of her fifth dam, the legendary Petite Etoile. Zarkava will attempt to follow Zenda and Darjina to become her sire’s third winner of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches next month.

Article taken from the TDN

STAR KAVA
Ground concerns forced Alain de Royer-Dupre to ponder long and hard before allowing “TDN Rising Star”  Zarkava (Ire) (ZAMINDAR) to take part in yesterday’ s G3 Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp. However, his decision was vindicated--and then some--as His Highness The Aga Khan’s bay homebred tore up the French 1000 Guineas trial with a hugely impressive display.

She remains firmly on target for Classic glory following a 2 1/2-length defeat of Conference Call (GB) (Anabaa), as the 7-10 favorite, in the Bois de Boulogne mud. ‘This filly is a pure jewel and that is why I was so concerned about the ground,’ admitted de Royer-Dupre. AI had no doubt about her ability to handle soft going, but I was worried about risking her on a bad surface which could have ruined her season.’

Date:  14 April 2008