Cankoura will aim to provide the iconic Aga Khan Studs silks with an eighth victory in the Prix de Diane (G1)

With Zarigana, winner of the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (G1), not in the lineup, Cankoura, the daughter of Persian King, will go postward as the likely favorite in Sunday's Prix de Diane (G1) at Chantilly

Cankoura stands as the leading contender for Aga Khan Studs / FRANCE GALLOP

CHANTILLY, Francia (Special for Turf Diario).- This Sunday, Chantilly Racecourse will host one of the most glamorous and highly anticipated events on the French calendar: the G1 Prix de Diane Longines, set to crown the top 3-year-old filly over a demanding 2100-meter journey. A field of twelve is set, with runners hailing from France, Ireland, and Great Britain.

Among the local hopes, trainer Francis-Henri Graffard saddles three contenders, led by Cankoura (Persian King), recent winner of the Listed Prix Finlande. She’ll look to deliver an eighth Prix de Diane title for the Aga Khan Studs, already the most successful ownership in the race’s storied history with seven victories.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan will also be represented by Mandanaba (Ghaiyyath), third in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, who stretches out for the first time. Gezora (Almanzor), racing in the colors of White Birch Farm, will aim to build off her effort in the G1 Coolmore Auguste Rodin Prix Saint-Alary.

The British challenge is led by Shes Perfect (Sioux Nation), who has unfinished business after being demoted to second in the Poule d’Essai via stewards’ inquiry, which awarded victory to Zarigana (Siyouni).

Several fillies from that French 1,000 Guineas will step up in distance here, including Better Together (Oasis Dream), fifth at ParisLongchamp, and the Irish-trained Bedtime Story (Frankel), who finished just behind her. Zia Agnese(Romanised) will fly the flag for the Maisons-Laffitte stable under Italian conditioner Gianluca Bietolini.

The lineup is completed by D'Ores Et Deja (Zarak), Merrily (No Nay Never), Rosa Salvake (Maximum Security), American Gal (Kameko), and Sand Gazelle (Frankel).

The supporting card features a trio of G3 events—the Prix du Bois Longines (for 2-year-olds), the Prix du Lys Longines (a stepping stone to the Grand Prix de Paris), and the Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines (for milers)—as well as the Listed Prix Pawnesse Longines (for fillies), the Qatar Derby for 4-year-old Arabians, and the Prix Reine Marie-Amélie, part of the Fegentri World Championship for lady riders.