State Shinto, Valentino stars of the night

State Shinto paid a great compliment to his trainer John Sadler, the former leading Flemington handler, when he dominated ever yard in the straight to win Thursday's Umm El Dummin Prep.

The Pleasant Colony six-year-old, given a fine ride by three-time champion jockey Ted Durcan in the all-black colours of leading owner Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, was making his first start since finishing 10th to Street Cry in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup eight months ago.

But Sadler has sustained the horse's racing fitness with such skill that State Shinto was able to win a competitive race like this in impressive fashion.

Sadler, who is based at the Oasis Stables in Nad Al Sheba, indicated that the horse will now head straight for the Dh 350,000 Umm El Dummin on November 28, where a win will hopefully clinch his place in the $6 million Dubai World Cup next March 28.

If State Shinto does earn his place in the Dubai World Cup, it will be the third time in three years that he is contesting the race.