By Sean Cronin
Francis Graffard representative Samangan (Blue Point), fresh off a stakes breakthrough in last month's G3 Prix Eclipse, went postward as the prohibitively priced 1-5 favourite for Saturday's G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte and never gave connections a moment's worry with a stylish victory in the six-furlong contest.
The Aga Khan Studs homebred stalked the pace in third from flagfall. Making smooth progress once past halfway, he eased to the front approaching the final furlong and was pushed out in the closing stages to easily account for Street Show (Showcasing) by 2 1/2 lengths.
He could be a real talent!
Samangan (Blue Point x Samadrisa) backs up Group 3 success last time out with a dominant display in the Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte…
@GraffardRacing | @mickaelbarzalon | @AgaKhanStuds pic.twitter.com/rKrofzbUWz
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 11, 2025
Pedigree Notes
Samangan is the seventh of eight foals and one of three scorers produced by a winning half-sister to multiple Group 1-winning European champion Sarafina (Refuse To Bend), dual stakes-winning G1 Prix Saint-Alary runner-up Sanaya (Barathea), G3 Firebreak Stakes victor Sandagiyr (Dr Fong) and the multiple Group 3-placed Sanjida (Polish Precedent). Sarafina, in turn, is the dam of G3 Prix Messidor-winning sire Geniale (Deep Impact), G3 Prix d'Aumale victrix Savarin (Deep Impact) and G3 Radio Nikkei Sho third Go Timing (Deep Impact). The May-foaled bay is kin to Listed Prix Volterra victrix Simeen (Lope De Vega) and a weanling filly by Vadeni.
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