Shamalgan to run in the French Derby

Shamalgan, trained at Mimon by Arslangirej Savujev, is expected to run in the French Derby this weekend. Shamalgan finished 3rd as a complete outsider in the French Two Thousand Guineas, but his performance was impressive and his breeding suggests he may stay. Shamalgan's owner Ardak Amirkulov and trainer Savujev won top races in Germany with Darsalam a few years ago, and took the horse to run in the English St Leger at Doncaster, and then in the Ascot Gold Cup in the year when the royal meeting was run at York.  

Overdose's return delayed but imminent

Also on Sunday, the Turf Gala meeting takes place at Bratislava. It had been hoped that Hungarian wonderhorse Overdose would make his reappearance at this meeting, after a year off the course. He is said to be sound again but only now getting into full trianing. A race on June 25th at Maisons Laffite has been pencilled in for Overdose. A number of top Czech-trined horses will be running at Bratislava, including 2009 Triple Crown winner Age of Jape.

Greek Day at Velka Chuchle

The main race in the meeting at Prague Velka Chuchle on Sunday is the main Derby trial. This will be the first real on-course indication of the horses that will be contenders for the Czech Derby, which will be run at Prague Velka Chuchle on Sunday, July 27th. The main race is sponsored by Venus Travel and Tours, which specializes in tourism to Greece and Cyprus. Venus Travel and Tours is organizing a Greek Day at the racecourse, beginning at 11 o'clock. There will be a festival of Greek, Cypriot and Czech dancing, singing, food and drink, and a tombola with prizes offered by Venus Travel and Tours.