Dolniya Quickens to Sheema Classic Score

The 4-year-old filly Dolniya beat the boys March 28, taking the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (UAE-I) at Meydan by 2 1/4 lengths over Flintshire while American champion Main Sequence finished seventh after missing the break.

Raced by the Aga Khan and trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, the French-bred daughter of Azamour stalked the pace set by Just The Judge and spurted past after turning for home. Flintshire launched a good late run but could not get to the winner, who stopped the sponsor's clock in 2.28.29. One and Only finished third.

"She was in very good form," said jockey Christophe Soumillon, who completed a Dubai double after winning the UAE Derby (UAE-II) on Mubtaahij. "The pace suited us. I was a bit scared before the race that the pace would be slow, so I came out of the gates fast in case I needed to make the running.

"But finally the pace was good and it helped a lot, because every time in France there is no pace and she has a long acceleration."

Main Sequence, who broke slow and raced three wide throughout in the field of nine, ranged up to third headed around the final turn, but faded in the stretch of the 1 1/2-mile turf event under jockey Rajiv Maragh.

"(It was) a little disappointing because he didn't come with his usual run," Maragh remarked. "I was really happy that he put me up there really easily and I felt like I was in position coming off the turn to make a good run but unfortunately it just didn't pan out today."

After One and Only, the complete order of finish was Designs On Rome, Sheikhzayedroad, Just The Judge, Main Sequence, Harp Star, and True Story.