Mickael Barzalona guides Dhahabia towards the finish line. Pic: Scoopdyga
Saint Cloud: Bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Dhahabia (Olympic Glory x Belle De Crecy) showed a willing attitude when breaking her maiden in the Prix Crudite, a maiden for three-year-olds, at Saint-Cloud on Thursday.
Trained in Chantilly by Henri-François Devin, Dhahabia was having her fifth career start. Placed on her debut at Fontainbleu and also runner-up on her most recent start at Lyon-Parilly, Dhahabia showed plenty of speed to win the 1,300m contest under jockey Mickael Barzalona.
Early leader Big Kittty (Bobby’s Kitten) took the field along at a strong tempo while Dhahabia was settled in fifth position. Travelling well on the heavy going, Dhahabia looked comfortable throughout and was kept to the outside of the field. Rounding the turn for home, she was asked to take closer as Taycan (Dabirsim) took over in the lead and the field came across to the stands rail. Pushed along inside the final 400m, Dhahabia began to close down Taycan and joined him 250m from home. The pair started battling at the 200m pole and Dhahabia pulled her way to the lead soon after. Once in front, the filly cleared away to a two-length success over Taycan. L'esquive (Myboycharlie) finished well to take third.
Dhahabia is a daughter of Haras De Bouquetot stallion Olympic Glory (Choisir). Her dam Belle De Crecy (Rock Of Gibraltar) was a three-time winner in Ireland, including at Group 2 level. She was also placed 2nd in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot.
