The G2 Dahlia Stakes, run over nine furlongs at Newmarket on 1,000 Guineas day, attracted a high-class field and four-year-old Shamardal filly Usherette posted a career-best performance when sweeping to victory over previous G1 winner Arabian Queen (Dubawi).
Settled in mid division under Mickael Barzalona, Andre Fabre’s charge (carrying the blue silks of Godolphin) came with a perfectly-timed run to move past Arabian Queen, who had led throughout, and ran on superbly to win by a length. Usherette and Arabian Queen were four and a half lengths clear of multiple G1 winner Amazing Maria, who took third.
This was the fifth win from six starts for Usherette, who is now unbeaten in three starts this year. She could now head to Royal Ascot, before returning to Newmarket for the July meeting.
Usherette is out of the Stakes-placed Maria’s Mon mare Monday Show, herself a half-sister to G2 winner Expansion. They are from the family of multiple G1 winner Vespone.
Shamardal is also sire this year of G1 winner Tryster, plus fellow Group winner Bow Creek.
