Monday 30 May 2022
The Yann Barberot-trained Zagrey ran out a smooth winner of the Listed 166e Derby du Midi on Saturday at Bordeaux-le-Bouscat on his first try over 1900m. Co-owned by his breeder Jean-Paul Challet and Gérard Augustin-Normand, the colt is a half-brother to Gr.1 performer Graignes and recent Listed-placed Anatiya (DARIYAN). He becomes the fourth first-crop Stakes winner for sire ZARAK.
“He’s a good colt,” said his trainer after the race. “He was a bit tricky in the mouth in the past, but is very calm now. Today, he showed he can run well on the right ground too. The race was rhythmic and I had no doubts about the longer trip. We have ambitions for the end of the season and continue to dream with him! Why not the Prix Dollar?”
Also on Saturday, Sea La Rosa became a new Group winner for SEA THE STARS when taking the Gr.3 Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock, despite racing very keenly throughout. Another SEA THE STARS Stakes winner for the in-form William Haggas stable in the colours of Sunderland Holding, the four-year-old filly, who was already a Listed winner, may return to the track for the Gr.2 Lancashire Oaks in July. She was bred by G B Partnership and sold by Ecurie des Monceaux for €200,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale in 2019.
In France on Sunday, Wally came close to becoming SIYOUNI’s eighth Gr.1 winner when running second to Dreamloper in the Prix Ispahan.
