Trainer, Andreas Schutz recorded a surprise success in the French 2000 Guineas (Poule d'Essai des Poulains) earlier this month with Marhaba Ya Sanafi and the colt now looks likely to attempt the French Guineas and Derby double.
The three-year-old son of Muhaarar looked progressive on paper heading into the Longchamp Group 1 event with a promising debut fourth preceding a pair of wins at Chantilly on the all-weather, once in maiden company and the other at Class Two level.
Mickael Barzalona rode the colt for the two wins and again when second to American Flag in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau. He seemingly continued his progression and demonstrated a determined attitude to score narrowly in the Longchamp Classic on the 14th of May.
Connections are now hopeful he can continue to progress stepping up in trip. Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Marhaba Ya Sanafi's owner Jaber Abdullah, said:
"We would like to send him for the French Derby and we think that is the obvious race we should go for,"
"He could be an improving horse. I know the favourite (American Flag) got left behind, but this is a very nice, improving horse and very progressive."
The French Derby, the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club is run over 1m 2 ½ f (2100m) which is 300 metres shorter than the UK equivalent. It will be held at Chantilly on Sunday 4 June.
