14 April 2024
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, 14 April 2024, ParisLongchamp Racecourse, Paris - After finishing third in the well-sought Prix de la Cascade on her debut, just a short neck behind Cetera (Nathaniel), Candala (Frankel) took her revenge on her rival a month later at Chantilly, still over one mile.
The two fillies met again at the start of the €80,000 Prix de la Grotte (Gr3), and for a second time, Candala had the final say after initiating a gradual move in the middle of the straight, which allowed her to narrowly prevail over Minoushka (Starspangledbanner), who moved up alongside her, and Tulipa Chope (Born to Sea), who edged the brave pace-setter Cetera at the post, a length behind the first two.
Candala was entered in the Prix des Réservoirs (Gr3) at age 2, in last week's Prix Vanteaux (Gr3), next week's Prix Cléopâtre (Gr3), and of course, in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, Gr1) and the Prix de Diane Longines (French Oaks, Gr1).
This underscores the high hopes held by the Aga Khan's team for this filly.
Candala is the fourth foal out of Candarliya, runner-up in the Prix Vermeille (Gr1) and winner of the Prix de Royallieu (formerly Gr2) and the Prix Maurice de Nieuil (Gr2). She has also produced Carini (Siyouni), winner of three races and Listed-placed, sold for €600,000 and recently 5th in a Group 2 over the mile in Australia, and Caldirana (Dansili), a maiden sold in December 2022 at Arqana for €110,000 to Trotting Bloodstock, in foal to Saxon Warrior. A filly was born from this mating in March 2023.
A 2-year-old by Persian King in training with Francis-Henri Graffard is one to watch before a male by Zarak born in 2023.