Shamardal and Dubawi look to have two very smart fillies in the making, after their daughters Castle Lady and Imperial Charm finished first and second in the G3 Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp on Sunday, 14 April.
Imperial Charm dictated the pace for much of the one-mile contest, but once Godolphin filly Castle Lady was asked for her effort, she soon took up the running and ran on superbly to win by a length and three quarters.
This was just the second racecourse appearance for Castle Lady, who broke her maiden on her debut at Chantilly a month ago. She could now be supplemented for the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, which will be run over the same course and distance on Sunday, 12 May.
Castle Lady is out of the unraced Elusive Quality mare Windsor County, a full sister to G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and established Darley sire Raven’s Pass. Windsor County is also dam of Hard Spun’s useful Black Type winner Top Score and is currently in foal to Exceed And Excel.
Shamardal has enjoyed a tremendous year so far, thanks in no small part to his son Blue Point – unbeaten this year and the outstanding winner of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night. Morgan le Faye (from the same crop as Blue Point) added a well deserved first win at Stakes level to her record last weekend when she won the Prix Zarkava. She has twice been placed at G1 level.
