Zarkava delivers filly foal by Siyouni

An exciting week for those supervising Zarkava's second career as a broodmare could be crowned on Saturday when her son lines up as favourite for a Group 1 prize in Dubai. But however Zarak fares at Meydan, the Aga Khan and his team are already celebrating after their champion's safe delivery on Tuesday of a filly foal by Siyouni. Both the new arrival's parents were bred and raced by the Aga Khan Studs.

Zarkava won five Group 1s including the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, Prix de Diane and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She retired to stud undefeated in seven starts.

Her four-year-old son by Dubawi, Zarak, is favourite for the Dubai Turf after an impressive success in the Group 3 Dubai Millennium Stakes over the same track a month ago. He finished second to the champion Almanzor in the Prix du Jockey Club at three.

Zarak is the fourth foal out of Zarkava, a 12-year-old daughter of Zamindar. She also has a three-year-old Redoute's Choice colt named Zarmitan, who remains unraced, a two-year-old Frankel filly and an Invincible Spirit yearling colt. She is next due to be covered by Sea The Stars.

Siyouni, a son of Pivotal, retired to Haras de Bonneval in 2011, where his fee has gradually risen from €7,000 to €45,000.