Chênes (Gr3): Zabiari lifts the prize

Thursday, 7th September 2023, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris) — With just three contenders at the start in this year's €80,000 Prix des Chênes (Gr3), a race for 2-year-old colts over 1 mile, the event was anything but uneventful. Led by the overly keen favourite Grey Man (Wootton Bassett), the race culminated in a duel that tilted decisively in favour of the Aga Khan-bred Zabiari (Wootton Bassett). The advantage became all the more pronounced when Grey Man, trained by Patrice Cottier, was interfered with in a critical moment, requiring his rider to check him and ultimately finishing more than a length behind. Time will tell which of these two promising colts will prove superior.

The third runner, Rock the Kasbah (City Light), came behind at two lengths after jumping at the stalls.

Victorious in his debut in May over 7 furlongs at Longchamp, Zabiari was since placed second twice in Listed races. He is the fourth foal out of Zaridiya (Duke of Marmalade), who has previously given a Pau and Landivisiau winning filly. Zaridiya herself was a two-time winner at Bordeaux before taking the second spot in the Prix des Lilas (L).

Moreover, Zaridiya gave birth to a Showcasing filly in 2022 and was later sold for €50,000 to Joseph Burke at the Arqana breeding sales, in foal to Mohaather. Her third dam is also the second dam of the champion Zarkava.