THE CURRAGH (Ireland), May 21: Dubawi, ridden by Frankie Dettori for the Godolphin operation of Sheikh Mohammed, cruised to an easy two lengths victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday. Second place in the nine-strong field went to Oratorio, the mount of Kieren Fallon, with Democratic Deficit third. The winner and second-placed horses started as 7-4 joint favourites with Democratic Deficit a 13-2 shot.

It was a second classic success in six days for Godolphin, Dettori and trainer Saeed bin Suroor who teamed up when Shamardal took the French 2,000 Guineas last Sunday.

Dubawi, a son of Dubai Millennium, is now as low as 7-1 for the Epsom Derby on June 4. The colt had flopped in the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket but softer ground in Ireland was much more to his liking.—Reuters