Quijano Poised For Big Things

Quijano is set to be aimed at the 5million Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night on March 31 after sluicing to victory at Nad Al Sheba in the 12-furlong Aman Trophy.

Frankie Dettori took it up in the straight travelling smoothly on Godolphin's Gravitas, but the German-trained Quijano was going even better in his slipstream and Mick Kinane barely moved a muscle as he swept to the front on the unbeaten five-year-old.

The race was quickly put to bed in a matter of strides and the Peter Schiergen-trained gelding looks to be a horse going places in a hurry.

Kinane was certainly impressed, saying: 'That was very impressive and he has travelled all the way round.

'I was always going to follow Frankie and it worked out brilliantly.'

The veteran rider had initiated a double when he produced Fairmile to lead well inside the final furlong and claim the spoils in the 10-furlong Zawaj Stakes.

A 280,000gns Tattersalls purchase, he was having his first start for Princess Haya and is trained by Ismail Mohammed having won the John Smith's Cup at York for Walter Swinburn last year.

Kinane pulled the winner out to chase the leader three furlongs out and the pair wore down Johnny Murtagh on Hallhoo near the line.

There was a thrilling finish to the Group Three Al Shindagha Sprint, the six-furlong dirt feature and highlight of the second Dubai International Racing Carnival fixture.

Richard Hills appeared to have landed the spoils on Thajja, but was headed in the very last stride by Tropical Star under Royston Ffrench, who had been hard at work from a long way out.

'He has dug so deep for me and is as brave as they come. He was struggling a long way out but has really given me everything,' a delighted Ffrench said.

Greetings was the ultra-impressive winner of the seven-furlong dirt conditions race for fillies.

The Brazilian-trained four-year-old was given a confident ride by Richard Mullen before being sent for home over two furlongs out, after which she was never going to be caught.

Mullen explained: 'That was very impressive and a good performance. I was happy to be near the pace as she has won over further. Once I committed her for home she really picked up well.'

The extended six-furlong grass handicap was won by Ed Dunlop's Munaddam, who was given a fine waiting ride by Hills as he took his mount across from a wide draw and awaited a gap on the rail to launch his challenge.

It was a first UAE winner for Dunlop, and Hills said: 'That was a good effort. I had to hold him up from that draw and he likes finishing through runners, so it worked out well.'

And win number two was not long in coming for Newmarket-based Dunlop as he again combined with Hills to claim the closing Tam-Wheel Plate on Tabadul.

Ryan Moore teamed up with South African trainer Herman Brown to win the extended seven-furlong handicap on turf with Great Rhythm, who came from last to first to land the spoils in a thrilling finish.

Ireland's King Jock looked to have the race in the bag with the post in sight, only for Moore's mount to fly home.

(C) PA Sport