Ghaiyyath didn’t get a shot at the big prize in Dubai, where the Sheema Classic (G1) was canceled earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Friday’s Coronation Cup (G1) at Newmarket was a sure case of what could have been for this emerging international star.
The Charlie Appleby trainee hopped at the start, ran to the lead and never let them within three or so lengths, facing a small but imposing bunch of six rivals in England’s first Group 1 event of the season.
Under jockey William Buick, he stretched the margin to about five lengths midway through the race over a straight 12-furlong trip.
Jockey Frankie Dettori, aboard Stradivarius, was first to move before leveling out to be third. Ryan Moore, on Anthony Van Dyck, made the later rally to get up for second.
A son of Dubawi, 5-year-old Ghaiyyath was never seriously threatened in a performance similar to his last out, on Feb. 20 in Meydan’s Dubai Millennium (G3). That day, the Godolphin runner never let his competition within six lengths en route to a final time of 2:00.33 — a track record for 2,000 meters on the lawn.
On Friday, American bettors hammered Ghaiyyath to 4/5 favoritism.
