ZARKAVA APPEARS likely to challenge all-comers in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later in the year after furthering her reputation as the outstanding filly of her generation in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks).
Her owner and breeder, the Aga Khan, nearly ran out of superlatives to describe his latest star following her three-length success at Chantilly.
The long odds-on favourite is now unbeaten in five starts and after jockey Christophe Soumillon settled her at the back of the field in the early stages, her now-familiar laid-back style moved her into contention and she was cheered from the rooftops as a burning run down the centre of the track proved too good for Gagnoa and Goldikova.
It was the fifth time her illustrious owner had teamed up with trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre to win the race and Zarkava was becoming the first filly since Divine Proportions in 2005 to complete a French Oaks-1,000 Guineas double.
"Petite Etoile ran for my grandfather and she only had one filly called Zahra, who I named after my daughter," said the Aga Khan.
"Breeding from that filly has been the sole reason the family has come back to the strength it is now.
"Shergar is in there, and now Zarkava. She is without a doubt one of my best - an exceptional filly and the perfect example of breeding continuity."
De Royer-Dupre is now established as one of Europe's finest handlers and while loathe to make firm commitments, he will give France's biggest race serious thought. William Hill added her to their Arc market at 7 to 1.
"We will consider the Arc de Triomphe with a run before that although I am not sure the Prix Vermeille would be the best preparation race," he explained.
"Christophe said he only had to hit her once, just to keep her on a straight line and we don't see any reason why she couldn't stay a mile and a half."
Jim Bolger was unable to add to his Vodafone Derby success, although his representative, Prima Luce, made a bold bid from the front but was swallowed up in the home straight.
Meanwhile, Big Brown appears to be fine physically the day after his history bid was shattered by the Nick Zito-trained Da'Tara in the Belmont Stakes in New York, according to co-owner Michael Iavarone.
The Rick Dutrow-trained colt was attempting to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to land the American Triple Crown but those hopes were dashed with a last-place finish in Saturday's gruelling mile and a half contest.
"We went over him good last night after the race, and again this morning, and there's nothing physically that's shown up," said Iavarone.
Cesarewitch winner Leg Spinner is the big name on view at Roscommon this evening and Tony Martin's star looks to have a good opportunity in the two-mile conditions hurdle.
Fast ground conditions will be fine for the versatile seven year old who eventually returned to action at Haydock last month with a lack-lustre display in the Swinton Hurdle.
Leg Spinner eventually only beat five home in the race won by Blue Bajan but this is a much less competitive heat and Robbie Colgan can guide him home in front.
