4th-MLF, €34,000, Cond, 4-19, 3yo, c/g, 8fT, 1:42.62, sf.
ZARAK (FR) (c, 3, Dubawi {Ire}–Zarkava {Ire} {Horse of the Year-Eur, Ch. 3yo Filly-Fr, Hwt. 2yo Filly-Fr, Hwt. 3yo-Fr at 9.5-11f & 11-14f, MG1SW-Fr, $4,793,989}, by Zamindar), who earned TDN Rising Star status going one mile in a firsters' test at Deauville in his only prior start Oct. 22, sought cover in third and travelled sweetly through halfway in this comeback. Easing into the clear approaching the final quarter mile, the 17-10 favourite quickened to the fore passing the eighth pole and was pushed out in the closing stages to safely hold the hitherto unbeaten George Patton (War Front), who had defeated subsequent G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud victor Robin of Navan (Fr) (American Post {GB}) in his latest start, by a cozy neck. “He needed the run, but these good horses don't really need to be at 100% to win races like this,” explained trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre. “What we really like about him is the way he can quicken and he has definitely booked his ticket to the [May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des] Poulains [at Deauville].” Out of the unbeaten G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Zarkava (Ire), Zarak's siblings include the 2-year-old colt Zarmitan (Fr) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €29,500. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (FR); T-Alain de Royer-Dupre.
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