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Etched makes sophomore debut in U.A.E. Guineas Undefeated Nashua S. (G3) hero ETCHED (Forestry) is a confirmed runner in Thursday's $250,000 U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) at Nad al Sheba. The about one-mile test on the main track has drawn a full field of 16, as well as two also-eligibles. Etched captured both of his juvenile outings in dominant fashion for former trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. A 6 3/4-length maiden winner going six furlongs at Belmont Park, the chestnut rolled by 6 1/2 lengths in the one-turn mile of the Nashua at Aqueduct. In the wake of those performances, Etched earned a promotion to Sheikh Mohammed's elite Godolphin squad and joined Saeed bin Suroor in Dubai. The Guineas could be the first step on the road to the Kentucky Derby (G1) for Etched, a son of 2001 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) queen Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled's Song). Godolphin's premier rider, Frankie Dettori, will guide him from post 4. The Godolphin operation has two others entered in Thursday's classic, Argentinean Group 2 victor MY INDY (Indygo Shiner) and Aqueduct maiden winner NUMAANY (A.P. Indy). Like Etched, Numaany is nominated to the American Triple Crown. The well-bred sophomore began his career under the tutelage of Tom Albertrani. In his second start, Numaany stretched out to 1 1/8 miles and scored by 2 3/4 lengths, prompting his transfer to Godolphin. Numaany has drawn post 9 with jockey Ted Durcan. My Indy, who is a four-year-old by Northern Hemisphere reckoning, suffered his first career loss last time out at Nad al Sheba. Making his Godolphin debut in an about seven-furlong conditions event on January 24, the dark bay colt finished second, beaten 5 1/4 lengths by fellow Argentinean-bred four-year-old HONOUR DEVIL (Honour and Glory). My Indy, who will break from post 15, will be piloted by Kerrin McEvoy. Honour Devil represents the same connections as last year's U.A.E. Triple Crown winner and current Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) hopeful, Asiatic Boy (Not for Sale). Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum and conditioned by Mike De Kock, Honour Devil elicited comparisons to the mighty Asiatic Boy when routing a solid field in that conditions event. The bay was making just his second career start and had not raced for 10 months. In his only prior outing, Honour Devil romped by five lengths in a maiden contest in Argentina last March. Honour Devil will leave the gate from post 6 beneath a returning John Murtagh. Team Valor International and Gary Barber's AQUINO (First American) checked in third to Honour Devil and My Indy in his Dubai bow. The chestnut had been a perfect two-for-two in his native Uruguay. Jockey Mick Kinane sticks with Aquino, who wound up with the 10 post. Of the 18 total declarations for the Guineas, six are Southern Hemisphere-breds. Because of their age advantage over the Northern Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds, they will carry 130 pounds. Etched, Numaany and the other sophomores will tote 121.
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