Less than a month after champion colt Sea The Stars retired, his close relation Burj Nahar has emerged as a candidate for next year’s classics.

Burj Nahar (2c Shamardal – Melikah by Lammtarra) is from a winning half-sister to Sea The Stars and he firmed for the 2010 English Derby following a three length victory at Nottingham on Wednesday.

In 2000, Melikah was placed behind Love Divine (English Oaks) and Petrushka (Irish Oaks) and at stud she had produced the winners Villarrica (Selkirk) and Valedictory (Dubai Destination).  She also has a yearling colt by Pivotal.

Besides Sea The Stars, she is a half-sister to the G1 winners Galileo, Black Sam Bellamy and My Typhoon.  Their dam Urban Sea died earlier this year after giving birth to a colt by Invincible Spirit.

Bookmakers introduced Burj Nahar into their markets at 25-1 for the 2010 English Derby after his debut win.  His sire Shamardal is currently Europe’s leading first-season stallion by prize-money, however, his winner tally (21) puts him well behind fellow Darley freshman Dubawi (31).