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2019, June 2: Princess Zahra was at the Prix du Jockey Club in Paris at Chantilly racetracks. Horses owned and bred by His Highness the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan have won 38 races in 2019

From: The Racing Post
Zarkallani was the surprise name to feature among 15 colts declared for Sunday's Qipco Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly having broken his maiden just seven days prior to the Classic.

In most circumstances that would be deemed quite a risk, but when the horse in question is out of the incomparable Zarkava and is guided by the same hugely experienced hand of Alain de Royer-Dupre, then Zarkallani's candidature has to be taken seriously.

"There was no programme following his last race that appealed to me," said Royer-Dupre on Thursday morning. "I didn't want to send him to Saint-Cloud again for the Prix Eugene Adam because I think he's much happier going right-handed rather than left-handed and there was no other choice available."

Christophe Soumillon barely had to move as Zarkallani eased to success over a mile and a quarter at Longchamp having been runner-up on his two previous starts this spring at Saint-Cloud.

Royer-Dupre admitted the idea of a quick turnaround for the €1.5 million French version of the Derby had been lurking before the son of Invincible Spirit's four-length stroll last Sunday.

"There was a little thought there, but I really wanted to see him do something first," said Royer-Dupre, who saddled Zarkallani's half-brother Zarak to be second in Almanzor's Jockey Club three years ago, and who will be seeking a seventh win in the race.

Zarkallani will break from stall nine on Sunday, but the draw has been less kind to red-hot favourite Persian King, who was eased a fraction by Paddy Power from 5-4 out to 11-8 after being handed stall