Marhaba Ya Sanafi narrowly denies Isaac Shelby to cause 33-1 upset in French 2,000 Guineas

The script for the first French colts' Classic of the season was tossed in the bin after the opening five seconds when odds-on favourite American Flag completely blew the start.

The other end of the affair was no more predictable, as the Brian Meehan-trained Isaac Shelby was caught late by 33-1 shot Marhaba Ya Sanafi and Mickael Barzalona.

Sent out from his Chantilly base by the globetrotting German-born trainer Andreas Schutz, Marhaba Ya Sanafi had booked his place in the Emirates-backed Poule d'Essai des Poulains when chasing home American Flag in the key trial here a month ago.

The winner of five Derbys in his homeland and trainer of Hong Kong champion Good Ba Ba during his time in Asia, Schutz was saddling only his second Classic runner since coming to France.

Back in the big time: Andreas Schutz celebrated after winning the Poule d'Essai des Poulains

Back in the big time: Andreas Schutz celebrates after winning the Poule d'Essai des PoulainsCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

"I was confident that he was the best I'd had him all season," said Schutz. "We didn't give him a hard preparation for his first two races and he's done so well, I thought he was the one who might really improve. I was hoping for softer ground but it worked out well.

"I don't have much to compare him with, so he's done a lot of work on his own or with horses of lower quality. His last gallop he showed up very well against another nice horse, so I was really confident that he would run very well today, though I was not expecting to win."

Asked where the victory with Jaber Abdullah's son of Muhaarar ranked, Schutz said: "I relocated to France seven years ago and to win the first Classic here is amazing. I hope we can push on from this. I've won over 20 Group 1s in my career and I hope we can continue to win more.

"He's in the Jockey Club and that's the most obvious target from here, though I will have to discuss it with the owner."

Paddy Power made Marhaba Ya Sanafi 10-1 to double up in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club over ten and a half furlongs. Should connections elect to stick at a mile they may choose to supplement him for the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Marhaba Ya Sanafi and Mickael Barzalona return after their Classic successCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Meehan's most recent Group 1 success came when Most Improved won the St James's Palace Stakes and the race may also come under consideration for Isaac Shelby, along with the option to drop back in trip.

"I'm a little frustrated with the pace," said Meehan. "In the middle third of the race when they seemed to go a little steady for him. Sean Levey's comment was that they weren't quick enough for him but he's run a lovely race, I'm very proud of him and delighted for the owners and my team at home. It's always good to be at that end of a Classic race.

"I think there's more to come, I think he's a better horse than he showed today and I think the pace had something to do with it."

Asked if a drop back in trip was on the cards, Meehan said: "Possibly. Royal Ascot will be his next target and there's the St James’s Palace Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup, so we'll see."

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Hans Andersen finished a never-threatening eighth, while Simon and Ed Crisford's hopes were dashed at the start when Knight was withdrawn by the starter.

"He just kicked the gate," said Knight's jockey James Doyle. "His shoe came off and it looked like he had a few scrapes on his hocks. It's a real shame."

The remaining nine runners were taken out of the stalls while Knight was trotted up and though it is impossible to say whether the extra delay contributed to American Flag's tardy start, he showed a fair turn of foot to be beaten a head for third by Breizh Sky having come from a hopeless position.

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