Another For The Aga Khan’s Studs As Siyouni’s Zarigana Wins The Grotte

[Wandering Eyes]

Entering Sunday's G3 Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp with her reputation sky-high, The Aga Khan's Studs' Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) emerged with it intact ahead of a big Classic campaign. Always travelling strongly on the wing having shown a sound temperament as she was re-shod before the start, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained G3 Prix d'Aumale winner and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up was given the command by Mickael Barzalona only approaching the furlong pole. Quickly gaining the edge over Shes Perfect (Ire) (Sioux Nation), the 1-2 favourite had to work harder than expected to subdue that game British raider but found the line a neck to the good. Godspeed (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) was two lengths away in third.

“There is so much expectation and pressure with this filly,” Graffard said of the grandaughter of Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar). “Mickael said that as soon as she saw daylight, she changed gear quickly but when she got to the front she stopped. She needed that mentally big-time. At the moment, she'll stay at a mile–this job is easy for her, which is not a surprise when you look at her pedigree. She has a lot of quality and excitement in her, so we need to manage her properly and it is obviously very important to win a group 1 with her.”

Zarigana wins the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp!

The regally-bred filly shows a lovely turn of foot to put the race to bed for @GraffardRacing and Mikael Barzalona! pic.twitter.com/DQ9Rb6mRos

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 13, 2025

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