From maiden win to Prix du Jockey Club in a week for Aga Khan-owned Zarkallani

Zarkallani was the surprise name to feature among 15 colts declared for Sunday's Qipco Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly having broken his maiden just seven days prior to the Classic.

In most circumstances that would be deemed quite a risk, but when the horse in question is out of the incomparable Zarkava and is guided by the same hugely experienced hand of Alain de Royer-Dupre, then Zarkallani's candidature has to be taken seriously.

"There was no programme following his last race that appealed to me," said Royer-Dupre on Thursday morning. "I didn't want to send him to Saint-Cloud again for the Prix Eugene Adam because I think he's much happier going right-handed rather than left-handed and there was no other choice available."

Christophe Soumillon barely had to move as Zarkallani eased to success over a mile and a quarter at Longchamp having been runner-up on his two previous starts this spring at Saint-Cloud.

Royer-Dupre admitted the idea of a quick turnaround for the €1.5 million French version of the Derby had been lurking before the son of Invincible Spirit's four-length stroll last Sunday.

"There was a little thought there, but I really wanted to see him do something first," said Royer-Dupre, who saddled Zarkallani's half-brother Zarak to be second in Almanzor's Jockey Club three years ago, and who will be seeking a seventh win in the race.

Zarkallani will break from stall nine on Sunday, but the draw has been less kind to red-hot favourite Persian King, who was eased a fraction by Paddy Power from 5-4 out to 11-8 after being handed stall 14.

Epsom's Blue Riband Trial winner Cape Of Good Hope heads instead to Chantilly for the Prix du Jockey ClubCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

In stall 13 Ryan Moore will be aboard Cape Of Good Hope, a brother to Highland Reel, who was second to New Bay four years ago and who is thus far the closest his trainer Aidan O'Brien has come to Jockey Club success.

O'Brien also fields Mohawk, who will break from 15 under Donnacha O'Brien, as well as Blenheim Palace, the mount of Seamie Heffernan in stall two.

The overseas challenge is completed by the Andrew Balding-trained Raise You, 2,000 Guineas seventh Kick On for John Gosden and Qatar Racing and Surfman for Roger Varian, a notable absentee at Epsom 24 hours earlier.

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