Ghaiyyath staked a big claim for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when romping to a wide-margin success in the 147th Longines Grosser Preis von Baden at Baden-Baden.
The Godolphin-owned four-year-old, trained by Charlie Appleby, showed the opposition no mercy, galloping his rivals into the ground stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time.
The son of Dubawi pulled further and further clear in the straight to lift the Group One contest by 14 lengths from Donjah in the hands of William Buick.
It was Ghaiyyath’s first race since he was beaten in the Prix Ganay in April, but connections had lost no faith in him and were optimistic the longer distance would be in his favour.
“We were confident/hopeful the step up to a mile and a half would suit him and it’s always great when a plan comes to fruition,” said Appleby.
“We were very happy with his first run back his season and while he was beaten in his second start we took the positives out of it.
“I was lucky enough to be able to give him a summer break. Some people might question what he beat, but he did it very well.
“We will discuss the Arc with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed in the next week to 10 days and see how the horse is.”
Appleby and Buick had earlier combined to take the Group Two 86th Oettingen-Rennen with Vintager.
Returning from a break after winning a Group Three at Chantilly in June, the four-year-old gelding denied Nica by a neck after leading some way out.
Appleby said: “Vintager is a horse that was purchased pre (Dubai) Carnival (from the David Menuisier stable) and we’ve been learning about him over the last six months.
“He’s a handy horse to have around. He has been very simple to train and he’s come through the ranks well.
“No immediate plans. He might just join the Carnival team again.”
