Kool Kat

One of His Highness The Aga Khan and Alain de Royer-Dupre’s quietly-quietly projects, Kataniya (Ire) (Raven’s Pass), takes the next step up the ladder in Sunday’s G3 Prix de Royaumont at Chantilly. Although not impressive when getting the better of the re-opposing Wildenstein runner Lady of Kyushu (Smart Strike) in the 11-furlong Prix de la Seine at Longchamp May 10, the homebred looked a true stayer in the making and would benefit from a stronger pace if it is available. In a blanket to that contest, Scuderia Vittadini’s Moi Meme (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) was third and just behind in fourth was Ballymore Thoroughbred Ltd’s Ame Bleue (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). As a daughter of the high-class Aquarelliste (Fr) (Danehill) and a member of the Andre Fabre stable–successful on a record 11 occasions–she is worthy of respect, as is the British raider Toujours l’Amour (GB) (Authorized {Ire}). Christopher Wright and Lordship Stud’s representative has been kept away from Epsom despite winning the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial last time May 9, and will find life slightly easier here.