Baltic Baroness stakes her French Oaks claim

Shamardal looks to have a strong Classic contender to represent him in France this year, following the impressive victory of his daughter Baltic Baroness in the G3 Prix Cleopatre at Saint-Cloud.

Settled in second position under Maxime Guyon, the three-year-old filly travelled well throughout and held off the challenge of last-time-out Stakes winner Santa Ponsa (by fellow Darley stallion Slickly) to win by a neck. She is now likely to head for the G1 Prix de Diane Hermes, due to take place on 16 June.

Owned and bred by Gestut Ammerland, Baltic Baroness is out of the winning Sadler’s Wells mare Born Wild, also dam of Listed winner Baltic Rock. Born Wild is herself a daughter of German Derby, G1 Grosser Preis von Baden and G1 Hong Kong Vase winner Borgia.

Gestut Ammerland and Andre Fabre have already enjoyed Classic success with the progeny of Shamardal, courtesy of French Guineas and Derby winner Lope de Vega.

Shamardal, who recently recorded his tenth individual G1 winner when Dunboyne Express landed the Champions Mile in Hong Kong, stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €50,000 October 1st SLF.