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| Staff Writer |
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Zarigana is heading to Royal Ascot after connections opted against pursuing a Classic double at Chantilly, preferring instead to target the Coronation Stakes on the penultimate meeting.
The Siyouni filly, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard in the colours of the late Aga Khan, has won three of her four career starts. She was initially placed second to Shes Perfect, trained by Charlie Fellowes, in the French 1000 Guineas (Poule d'Essai des Pouliches) before being promoted to first following a stewards' inquiry.
Rather than renewing rivalry with Shes Perfect in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly, Zarigana will remain at the mile distance for Royal Ascot. The decision represents a strategic choice by Graffard's team to maintain the filly's established programme.
Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs, explained the reasoning behind the decision. "The trainer was very keen to run Zarigana in Ascot. We obviously did consider the Prix de Diane because I think she relaxed a lot more last time and she seems to be gaining maturity in her races, so it did become more of an option to consider the Diane for her."
She continued: "But I think Francis has trained her more to race over a mile in this first part of the season, that doesn't mean that we wouldn't stretch her out later in the year. I think he felt it was always part of the programme that he had set aside for her that she would go to Royal Ascot after the Pouliches, especially as we had other fillies for the Diane."
Zarigana was scheduled for her final piece of work before Royal Ascot, having already completed satisfactory training the previous week. Routh confirmed the filly was in good form ahead of her Coronation Stakes assignment.
"Zarigana is due to have her last piece of work tomorrow morning. She worked last week and is in good form, so provided all goes well tomorrow, I imagine it's all systems go for Royal Ascot," Routh stated.
While Zarigana heads to Berkshire, the Aga Khan operation maintains strong representation in the Prix de Diane Longines. Mandanaba, who finished third in the French Guineas, will carry the colours of Princess Zahra, daughter of the late owner. Listed winner Cankoura provides additional representation for the powerful breeding operation.
Routh emphasised the significance of the French Oaks to the organisation. "Principally I think His Highness and Princess Zahra identify themselves as breeders who like to race their horses, and having fillies that are capable of running well in this race is one of our principal objectives of the year."
She added: "We love to have fillies that can perform at the top level, the Prix de Diane is a race His Highness loved to have runners in and obviously he holds the record for the winning-most owner, and all of those fillies were bred by him as well. It's a very special race for our organisation and we're very happy to have two runners this year in the two different silks."