By Tom Frary
The Aga Khan Studs are replete with top-class middle-distance runners at present and Tuesday's Listed Prix de Suresnes could have played host to another as Dolmalan (Zarak) showed an impressive late surge to extend his unbeaten sequence.
“He's still a little immature, but it was pleasing that he was able to accelerate like that,” trainer Mikel Delzangles said. “If he was a good horse, he was going to be able to make up a few lengths and he did. The Prix du Jockey Club is a strong possibility.”
Coming off wins at Fontainebleau in November and over this Chantilly track and 10-furlong trip earlier this month, the Mikel Delzangles-trained relative of the Dubai Sheema Classic heroine Dolniya (Azamour) from the family of Daylami and Dalakhani was situated well off the early pace by Mickael Barzalona.
Allowing Ballydoyle's well-regarded Montreal (Sea The Stars) a big headstart and an easy lead, the 19-10 second favourite nevertheless had all the gears to get to that 11-10 market-leader close home and prevail by a head.
Completing the final three furlongs in an impressive 32.43, Dolmalan who holds a Prix du Jockey Club entry won the race with a penultimate 10.34.
A thrilling finish to the Prix de Suresnes!
Dolmalan surges late to deny Montreal narrowly and maintain his unbeaten record in the Listed contest from Chantilly… 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Q9DiZjJ6u2
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 28, 2026
The Listed-placed dam's aforementioned half-sister Dolniya was also successful in the G2 Prix de Malleret and was placed in the Coronation Cup, Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and Prix Vermeille. She in turn produced the G3 Prix Quincey winner Dilawar (Dubawi), the G2 Prix du Muguet third Dolayli (Siyouni) and dual Listed-placed Dolia (Invincible Spirit).
The third dam is the celebrated Daltawa, responsible for the brilliant multiple Group 1-winning champion Daylami and Dalakhani, another champion who conquered the Arc and Prix du Jockey Club for this operation. Also related to the Prix de l'Opera Longines, G2 Prix de Royallieu and G2 Middleton Stakes winner Dalkala (Giant's Causeway), her two-year-old filly is by Night Of Thunder while she also has a yearling colt by Palace Pier.
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