Darjina denies Finsceal Beo in France

By Tom Krish
May 16, 2007

The winner and the runner-up were separated by a head in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp Race Course on Sunday but the photo finish changed the pecking order in the sophomore filly division in Europe. Darjina, owned by the Princess Zahra Aga Khan, came with a sustained late run to catch Finsceal Beo, the 4-5 favorite, in the waning yards of the French 1000 Guineas. The winning time was 1 37.2 for the Group I mile contest over a turf course that had been rendered soft by a downpour before the race.

Darjina was winning her third race in as many starts. Christophe Soumillon was the winning jockey. Darjina is trained by Alain De Royer-Dupre.

Darjina swoops late to catch Finsceal Beo

Darjina's sire is Zamindar. Darjina's dam is Darinska. Zilzal is Darinska's sire. The victory was worth 228,560 Euros. The result stood after an inquiry by the stewards.

Taking third was Rahiyah who was one and one half lengths away. She was making her first start in 2007. Sander Camillo, the British filly, was a disappointment Thirteen fillies answered the starter's call.

Finsceal Beo was excusively supported on the basis of her sparkling triumph in the English 1000 Guineas a week ago on Sunday. She tracked the leader, took charge soon after entering the homestretch and could not beat back Darjina's bid. There is reason to believe that two hard races in a space of six days took too much out of Finsceal Beo. "The rain before the race did not help, "said Jim Bolger, the trainer. Kevin Manning, the jockey, was emphatic, "she ran very well but the ease in the ground affected her speed."

"She will like longer trips. Christophe (Soumillon) gave her a great ride," exulted the Aga Khan. Dupre, the trainer said, "we will consider the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) in Chantilly may be a target as well. She will be more effective on fast ground."

Darjina paid 4-1 in the French tote. She was 13-2 with the British bookmakers. Finsceal Beo was the 4-11 pick in England. She was the 10 to 8 on choice in Paris.