GHANAATI sprang a 20-1 shock in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday to give Sheikh Hamdan another G1 triumph in England.  She raced on the pace and skipped clear to score by one and a half lengths.  Rainbow View was fifth.

The Barry Hills-trained filly is now a 4-1 favourite for the English Oaks at Epsom in June.

Ghanaati Ghanaati (3f Giant´s Causeway – Sarayir by Mr Prospector) is a Shadwell homebred and is one of five winners from six starters out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Sarayir.  She is a half sister to five other stakes winners including 1989 Epsom Derby (G1) winner Nashwan and G1 winner and sire Nayef.

Sheikh Hamdan revealed Hills had been quietly confident of a forward showing in the classic.

“He said she was coming on the right way and was happy with her.  “I think trainers with experience they know their animals.  He lives for his horses.”