Ihtimal takes the UAE Oaks by ten lengths

Three weeks ago Shamardal’s three-year-old daughter Ihtimal made a very successful debut at Meydan when landing the UAE 1,000 Guineas by almost four lengths and on 27 February she completed the Classic double when romping to an astounding ten-length victory in the G3 UAE Oaks.

Always travelling well under Silvestre de Sousa, who sat motionless until the field entered the home straight. Once asked to quicken, she could not have been more impressive as she opened up an ever-widening margin with consummate ease and crossed the line a full ten length ahead of the rest of the field.

Ihtimal was a very smart juvenile, winning the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes en route to victory in the G2 May Hill Stakes. She rounded off her two-year-old season with a very creditable third in the G1 Fillies’ Mile. She is now around 10-1 to take the English 1,000 Guineas, due to take place at Newmarket on the first Sunday in May.

Bred by Darley, Ihtimal is the first foal to race out of Eastern Joy, a half-sister to G1 French Oaks winner West Wind. Eastern Joy is currently in foal to Helmet and is due to return to Shamardal this year.

Shamardal stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €50,000 October 1st Special Live Foal.