History On The Line As Mandanaba And Cankoura Prep For Diane; Zarigana Headed For Coronation

[Wandering Eyes]

The late Prince Aga Khan IV is the most successful owner in the history of the G1 Prix de Diane Longines with seven wins, and two fillies will carry the family's famous silks in Sunday's affair. Representing his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan is Mandanaba (Ghaiyyath), while Cankoura (Persian King) will race in the Aga Khan Studs' colours.

Both fillies are trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, with Mandanaba coming off a third in the G1 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches. Mandanaba carries further distinction as the final foal out of Princess Zahra's champion and three-time Group 1 winner Mandesha (Desert Style). The Diane will be her fourth lifetime start.

“We hesitated for a long time between the Saint-Alary and the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches,” said Aga Khan racing manager Nemone Routh. “The Poule, being a Classic and a Group 1, was ultimately the preferred choice. Her performance there was very good. She has speed, but her pedigree suggests she can stay 2000 metres.

“Mandanaba is a very generous filly. She likes to race up near the pace, which is an advantage at Chantilly when the ground is good. Mandanaba also has a lovely backstory. Her dam, Mandesha, was a champion for Princess Zahra, but did not produce particularly well at stud. She has now retired and is enjoying life with Zarkava and her companions. Mandanaba is her final foal, and the best she's ever produced. That's quite rare.”

Listed winner Cankoura won the Prix Finland at ParisLongchamp on May 22 after running fourth in the Listed Prix des Lilas earlier in the month.

Added Routh, “In the Prix des Lilas, she was really unlucky. Mickael Barzalona didn't ask too much of her. We had expected a more striking performance [in the Finlande], but she needed the run, as she hadn't done much work between the Lilas and the Finlande. Also, the ground was a little too soft for her.

“She's honest, willing, and we're hoping for good ground. We believe she still has more to offer. Both Mandanaba and Cankoura have speed and can race prominently, which is a plus at Chantilly in good conditions. Cankoura will be partnered by Clement Lecoeuvre.”

Reflecting on the Aga Khan's success in the Diane she added, “The Diane was a race very dear to the Prince. For many years, one of the stable's key aims each season has been to field runners with genuine chances in this Classic. This year, both family silks will be represented, which is particularly special. The Aga Khan Studs are above all breeders, and having fillies capable of excelling in this race is central to the identity of our colours. These fillies will then return to the stud, where we hope they will go on to produce more top-class horses.”

Royal Ascot Bid For Zarigana

G1 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Zarigana (Siyouni) will skip the Diane and step forward for the G1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot next week. A winner of three of her four starts, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly will miss a rematch with Shes Perfect (Sioux Nation), who is on target for the Diane.

“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.

“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 is due to have her last piece of work tomorrow [Thursday] 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.”

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