Ghaiyyath a class apart as Godolphin star blitzes rivals in record time

Ghaiyyath, who was having his first start since disappointing in the Arc behind Waldgeist in October, set a track record with a blistering display in the Group 3 1m2f Dubai Millennium Stakes.

Drawn widest of the field in stall six, Ghaiyyath was kept away from his rivals by William Buick with the pair clear after two furlongs. After giving his mount a breather at the end of the back straight and on the home turn, Buick asked the five-year-old to press on and the pair cruised clear by eight and a half lengths.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “That was perfect and we have to be delighted. He had a hard race in the Arc so it is great to see him back in such good heart.

"We’ve all seen what this horse can do, especially coming up his first start, there. The plan was to just let him float into the race from his outside post and once he was on the lead, we would let him roll along.

"We’ve seen on numerous occasions what he can do when he’s left to his own devices like that. Hopefully we can just freshen him up now and aim toward the Sheema Classic.

"In the Arc, it was soft ground, but unfortunately he got hustled and they went a strong gallop and he just could never get into a nice rhythm. Like any athlete, once you get them into a good rhythm where they’re breathing, they have the engine, which allows them to show their full potential.

“Hopefully now, with a run under his belt, we can just ease off on him and let him float into World Cup night and have a crack at the Sheema Classic.”

Paddy Power make Ghaiyyath 5-2 favourite (from 3) for the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night on March 28.

Zakouski claims Zabeel Mile

Appleby and Godolphin also won the Group 2 Zabeel Mile with Zakouski but Buick was forced to settle for second aboard last year’s winner Mythical Magic with James Doyle partnering the winner.

Victorious on his only juvenile start, a 7f novice on the all-weather at Kempton in November 2018, the homebred son of Shamardal was not seen again until finishing fifth in the Craven after which he was gelded. He is unbeaten at Meydan after making an impressive debut in a handicap over course and distance last month.

The Group 2 Meydan Sprint proved a landmark for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum after Waady landed the spoils under Jim Crowley for Doug Watson to give the owner his 900th UAE winner.

A handicap winner over course and distance a week ago, Waady had previously chased home favourite Equilateral last month, but turned the tables and prevailed by a head.

Watson said: “This horse has plenty of speed and is having a good season. We were worried about Equilateral on these terms but that was a very pleasing performance.”

Jamie Osborne and owners Melbourne 10 Racing enjoyed a valuable winner when Cliffs Of Capri, sporting blinkers for the first time, won a division of the mile handicap under Tadhg O'Shea.

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