Racing: Almushahar is given Millennium status

Almushahar looked very good as he swept to victory and 2,000 Guineas favouritism in the Champagne Stakes across Town Moor here yesterday. But he sounded even better in the winners' enclosure.

When it comes to the Godolphin team there is one horse considered nonpareil, but, yesterday, David Loder was moved to tell us another wonderhorse may have been uncovered. He actually said that Almushahar ("famous" in Arabic) was as good as Dubai Millennium.

If this is true, then even the apparently scant price of 8-1 (10-1 is available with Coral) might be good value for a Classic seven months ahead. Further clues will be available in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket next month.

Certainly it was a rewarding tutorial yesterday. Almushahar had to breach a fleshy wall a furlong out and proved that faint heart will not hold him back.

"It was a bit tight, the sort of moment when your palms get a bit sweaty, but you have to be pleased when you see him win the Champagne Stakes with his ears pricked and without having had a slap," Loder said. "He's not a natural two-year-old and you should bear in mind that this was only his second race.

"He has always been very special at home and you look forward to work mornings when he is due out. I have nothing at home that can go with him. I think he looks as good as Dubai Millennium did at this stage of his career."