Ghaiyyath dazzles in gate-to-wire Coronation Cup win

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.

“When Ghaiyyath won the Dubai Millennium Stakes earlier this year, we were more impressed with how he took it post-race," Appleby said. "We will see over the next day or two if he can show the same characteristics as he showed out there and maintain his weight. In the past, he has always had to have that gap between his races because he puts so much into them that it is hard to get his tank filled up again.

“He looked a million dollars today and full credit to Godolphin and the team, and most importantly His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who has followed this horse right from the start of his career.

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.

Appleby said connections are likely to eye 10-furlong spots leading up to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this fall.