Leading Classic hope Ihtimal predictably proved a class above her opponents as she produced a scintillating display in the UAE Oaks at Meydan.
Saeed bin Suroor’s Godolphin filly showed her class in Britain as a juvenile, claiming the Sweet Solera at Newmarket and the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster before finishing third behind Chriselliam in the Fillies’ Mile.
The three-year-old made a sparkling Dubai debut in the UAE 1000 Guineas three weeks ago and was the 4-11 favourite to follow up under Silvestre de Sousa, stepping up to an extended nine furlongs (1800m) for the first time on Thursday.
Ihtimal was a little keen off a slow pace, but had too many gears for her opponents in the straight, coming home 10 lengths clear.
“Every time she runs she shows some class,” bin Suroor said.
“When she won the Guineas, we decided to run her in this race
“It looked easy tonight for her, but as for future plans, we’ll see how she comes back, then we’ll talk to Sheikh Mohammed and he will decide.”
Paddy Power left Ihtimal unchanged at 12-1 for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4.
Ex-pat Australian trainer Jeremy Gask’s stable star Medicean Man (11-4 fav) followed up last week’s victory on turf with a win on Tapeta.
Martin Lane’s mount quickened up smartly and held off fellow British raider Racy, trained by Brian Ellison, by a length.
“He’s in great form. For a horse to back up after a week is a massive achievement, so the team have done well,” Lane said.
