Siyarafina steps forward again in Prix Saint-Alary

The exciting 3-year-old filly Siyarafina aced her stakes debut Sunday at Longchamp, capturing the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary by one length to run her record to three wins from three starts.

The Aga Khan homebred debuted in April, winning maiden and conditions races before Sunday’s tally. That is a high level of accomplishment regardless of circumstances and her connections, trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre and jockey Christophe Soumillon, both have indicated Siyarafina is going out her business at less than full throttle. Royer-Dupre withdrew her from the French 1000 Guineas several days before the race, reporting the filly hadn’t worked to his satisfaction, and after Sunday’s victory, Soumillon told ParisTurf that his mount lacked true race fitness.

“She had been working better for a few days, but she is far from 100 percent,” Soumillon said.

Siyarafina raced midpack and two paths off the fence much of the 10-furlong Saint-Alary and when she cruised up into contention three furlongs out it was under her own power. Soumillon didn’t ask his mount until a quarter mile remained, and while less flashy than in her second win, Siyarafina clearly was best while stepping up in class and out in distance while racing beyond one mile for the first time. By Pivotal and out of Siyenica, by Azamour, Siyarafina has a date in the Prix de Diane, the French Oaks, where she’s likely to meet Hermosa, winner of the English 1000 Guineas earlier this month and the Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday at The Curragh.

Siyarafina, an odds-on favorite, was followed home by Olendon and Imperial Charm.

:: MEMORIAL DAY SALE: Save 50% on Formulator PPs, DRF Plus access, and handicapping reports

Zabeel Prince wins first Group 1 in Ispahan

Zabeel Prince overcame an early stumble and won the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan by three-quarters of a length over Study of Man. Trais Fluors was third and Intellogent fourth as tepid favorite Wild Illusion checked in sixth making her 2019 debut.

This wasn’t the saltiest edition of the Ispahan and an in-form Zabeel Prince, coming off a sharp win April 18 in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton at Newmarket, took advantage.

Zabeel Prince went to his knees just after the start but quickly recovered to stalk the pace under Andrea Atzeni, and while Study of Man cut into his margin through the final furlong, Zabeel Prince was able to notch the first Group 1 win of his career.

Roger Varian trains Zabeel Prince for Mohammad Obaid al Maktoum. Zabeel Prince is a 6-year-old by Lope de Vega out of Princess Serena, by Unbridled’s Song.