Aga Khan Studs Silks set to Dazzle at ParisLongchamp

The green with red silks of the Aga Khan Studs are set to dazzle at ParisLongchamp with Ridari currently at $9 with nationwide agencies for the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Officially racing in the ownership of the Exors of The Late HH Aga Khan, Ridari is coming off a narrow victory over last season’s top juvenile Sahlan in the Classic trial Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau.

To be partnered again by the newly retained jockey Mickael Barzalona for Chantilly-based Mikel Delzangles, Ridari will jump from Barrier 5 in a full field of 18 for this 3YO French Classic over 1600m.

While Delzangles and Barzalona are chasing their first success in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, the late HH The Aga Khan IV boasts a record-equalling eight wins in the event.

First with Buisson Ardent in 1956, the roll continued with Zeddaan in 1968, who sired Kalamoun to win in 1973. Kalamoun in turn sired Bikala, winner of the Prix du Jockey Club.

Zeddaan also produced Nishapour, who triumphed in the Poulains in 1978, following Blushing Groom’s victory in 1977. Other notable winners include Ashkalani (1996), Daylami (1997), and Sendawar (1999).

Blushing Groom went on to be crowned European Champion 3YO Miler and Champion 2YO Colt, while Daylami earned European Horse of the Year honours in 1997 and was also named US Champion Turf Male.

Standing at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, Daylami sired Blushing John, who claimed the Poulains in 1988. As Champion Sire in both England and Ireland in 1989, he also sired Nashwan, winner of both the Epsom Derby and 2000 Guineas.

Now, Ridari could become the ninth winner in 26 years since Sendawar. A juvenile winner over 1600m on the Chantilly all-weather, he is by dual 2000 Guineas winner Churchill.

The Aga Khan Studs have doubled down on Churchill’s influence, with his European Champion 3YO son Vadeni standing at Haras de Bonneval and his first foals arriving this year.

Ridari is the best foal from European Champion 3YO Filly Ridasiyna, who is now in foal to Vadeni, making the upcoming foal a three-quarter sibling to Ridari.

Currently, Ridari is the fourth pick behind Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Henri Matisse ($5), fresh off a Group 3 win at Leopardstown with Ryan Moore. Jonquail is at $7, and Hotazheel at $8.

The Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches favourite at $2.35 is Zarigana, who also carries the Aga Khan colours, having taken out the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte over 1600m.

After winning her first two starts and narrowly missing in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac-Critérium des Pouliches, she will be ridden by Barzalona from Gate 7 in a field of 13.

Trained by Francis Graffard at Chantilly, Zarigana is looking to emulate her unbeaten granddam Zarkava, who also won the Prix de la Grotte before going on to win the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches in 2008.

Bred by Haras de Bonneval’s champion sire Siyouni, Zarigana is out of the Frankel mare Zarkamiya, a half-sister to Haras de Bonneval stallion Zarak. Zarak, who has fetched up to €800,000 at auction, won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and was runner-up in the Prix du Jockey Club.

Second favourite at $7 is the unbeaten Mandanaba, owned and bred by Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Starting from Gate 1 with Maxime Guyon, she represents trainer Francis Graffard and is coming off a Group 3 win in the Prix Vanteaux.

Racing in the green and brown silks, Mandanaba is the first foal of Champion 2YO Filly Mandesha, sired by Desert Style, and herself the best-performed filly of Champion European Older Horse Ghaiyyath.

If you’re backing any of the Aga Khan runners or top French juveniles this weekend, explore the best odds and bonus offers across leading bookmakers at our trusted betting sites list.