ANOTHER ZARKAVA?
Article taken from The Irish Field by Desmond Stoneham
When Zarkava won the Prix Marcel Boussac last year, she passed the post two and a half lengths clear of the runner-up. In October, the 28/1 chance Proportional took the same Group 1 race by three lengths doing handstands.
The daughter of BEAT HOLLOW is trained by Criquette Head-Maarek and she had to ask Khalid Abdulla’s permission to run Proportional as she didn’t appear to have much of a chance on form. In fact, Stephane Pasquier had an armchair ride and he was even surprised that Proportional gave such a thrashing to her 15 rivals as she had previously just won a minor race at Chantilly, albeit in good style.
The pair were well up from the start and the filly was always cruising. She went to the head of affairs a furlong and a half out and the result was never in doubt. The mile certainly suited Proportional, who had always been highly rated by her trainer. It is now probable that she will follow Zarkava’s programme and take in the Prix de la Grotte and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, but a trip to England for the 1000 Guineas has not been ruled out.
Her pedigree suggests that she will definitely stay further, so the Prix de Diane should come into the reckoning, and maybe even the Prix Vermeille and the Prix de l’Arc. Is there another Zarkava on the production line?
Date:
1 January 2009