Riyadian tunes up for bigger things

THE Godolphin operation emerged from hibernation and headed straight for Newmarket's winner's enclosure. But it was the long standing triumvirate of Messrs Salman, Cole and Quinn who took the day's feature race, the Group Two Jockey Club Stakes.

Godolphin, who carried all before it in 1995, chose the opening day of the Pertemps Guineas meeting to take the wraps off its first contenders for honours on British soil in 1996.

Moonshell, winner of the Vodafone Oaks last June, and Valley of Gold represented Saeed bin Suroor in the £50,000 added race, but neither could land a blow as Riyadian took the spoils from Hamdan Al Maktoum's Burooj.

Content to wait towards the rear early on, Quinn eased the chestnut to the front three furlongs from home but had to roust his mount along in the closing stages to hold Burooj - the victim of repeated traffic problems - by a neck.

Cole, whose Dame Laura had landed the opening NGK Spark Plugs Arlington Maiden Auction under Quinn, said: "It's not about races like today's. It's about winning the King George."

The trainer, who won the Ascot race with Generous for Fahd Salman in 1991, added: "He is 10 kilos heavy. It is better to have a nice easy race - they last longer."

The owner, whose Storm Trooper and Leonine run in the Pertemps 2,000 Guineas this afternoon, added: "I am overwhelmed. I would like him to go for the Coronation Cup and the Are. I am optimistic and like to think like that, but you never know what happens."

Reflecting on the prospect of locking horns with Godolphin through the summer, Prince Sal man smiled: "Should be fun, shouldn't it?"

Moonshell was asked to go with the leaders under half a mile from home by Frankie Dettori but was soon backpedalling to finish last of the nine runners. It was later announced that she is to be retired to the paddocks.

Godolphin got off to a lightning start with its runners as Mick's Love produced a determined performance to land the Listed Sunley Newmarket Stakes.

Sent to dispute the lead three from home, the Law Society colt had to dig deep for Dettori inside the final furlong to see off the persistent challenge of David Loder's Bahamian Knight by a short head.