Wednesday 11 April 2012
KESAMPOUR could carry the Aga Khan Studs hopes in the Gr.1 Epsom Derby following his impressive victory in the Listed Prix François Mathet over ten and a half furlongs on 1st April. At the head of the field from pillar to post, the handsome chestnut scored by two lengths on his seasonal debut and first attempt in Pattern company. Now unbeaten in three outings, all at the left-handed Saint-Cloud track, the son of King’s Best was supplemented into the English Classic at the April stage.
Mikel Delzangles’ charge raced twice as a juvenile, winning his maiden over a mile in October and then a conditions race over a mile and a quarter by five lengths in November. KESAMPOUR now holds entries in the English and Irish Derbies as well as the Prix du Jockey Club and Grand Prix de Paris. His next race could well be back at Saint-Cloud in the Gr.2 Prix Greffulhe on 5th May.
The colt is bred to stay a mile and a half, being out of Kasatana (Hernando) who won at a mile and a half and is a half sister to Gr.2 winning stayer Kassani (Alleged) and Kassana (Shernazar), winner of a Group 3 contest and dam of Irish St Leger victrix Kastoria (Selkirk). This is the family of the late English and Irish Derby hero and successful sire Kahyasi.
Second to KESAMPOUR on their racing debuts in October 2011, MANDOUR opened his account in good style on his second start on 8th April. By Smart Strike, this colt is the first offspring of three-time Group 1 winner Mandesha (Desert Style) for Princess Zahra Aga Khan and also carries the same colours as his dam. Yet to race at Stakes level, MANDOUR is entered in several Classic trials, as well as in the Prix du Jockey Club, English and Irish Derbies.
Winner of the Prix François Mathet last April before picking up the Gr.2 Prix du Conseil de Paris, VADAMAR made a pleasing return to action at Longchamp on Sunday with a second place in the Gr.2 Prix d’Harcourt over a distance shorter than his ideal mile and a half. This elegant grey son of Dalakhani should have plenty of options during the 2012 season.
Updated on 11/04/2012.
