Desert Flower gives Godolphin a weekend Classic clean sweep in 1,000 Guineas

DESERT FLOWER defended her unbeaten record and justified even-money favouritism in the Betfred 1,000 Guineas to give Godolphin its fourth Classic victory of the weekend.

After the success of Good Cheer in the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, Sovereignty delivered Sheikh Mohammed’s racing and breeding enterprise its first Kentucky Derby triumph at Churchill Downs a little over 24 hours later.

In between the pair, the Charlie Appleby-saddled Ruling Court landed the Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

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And stablemate Desert Flower completed “unquestionably Godolphin’s best weekend” with a brave all-the-way win under William Buick.

In front from the outset, Desert Flower, whose unbeaten record as a two-year-old included the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket last October, faced a stern challenge from 28-1 chance Flight inside the final furlong.

But Night Of Thunder answered her rider’s calls to score by one length, with 33-1 shot Simmering, like the runner-up saddled by Ollie Sangster, the same distance back in third.

“We were confident coming into today,” said Appleby, winning his first fillies’ Classic.

“At one point it looked as though she was going to have to battle but I knew once she met the rising ground she’d find another gear.

“She trains on hills and she’s not scared of them!

“It’s very special for everybody - it’s been an amazing weekend. I said to the guys in America, ‘Thanks very much – that puts the pressure on!’ But we don’t mind pressure – pressure’s good.”

The Moulton Paddocks trainer, who has captured the 2,000 Guineas three times, the Derby twice and the St Leger once, smiled: “People have asked me if she’s the best filly I’ve trained – yes!”

The performance saw Desert Flower cut to 3-1 favourite for the Oaks at Epsom and Appleby reasoned: “I see no reason why she shouldn’t stretch out to a mile and a half – she settles and her best work is through the last furlong.”

Buick, who had chosen to ride Ruling Court in preference to champion two-year-old Shadow Of Light in the 2,000 Guineas, reflected: “You never dare to think something like this would happen – it’s just a dream.

“I knew we had some solid chances in the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas. She looked the most solid, and proved so.

“To win the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, it’s hard to conceive – a very, very special achievement."

“It’s unquestionably Godolphin’s best weekend,” said Godophin’s managing director Hugh Anderson.

“And it’s richly deserved for the man who has put his heart and soul into it for 40 years.”