by Myra Lewyn

Aqueduct maiden winner Folk arrived in Dubai less than two weeks ago but had no trouble handling 12 rivals in her debut at Nad al Sheba racecourse on Thursday as she led nearly every step under Kerrin McEvoy to capture the $250,000 Gulf News United Arab Emirates One Thousand Guineas.

The Quiet American filly, winner of a maiden special weight race at Aqueduct on November 26 to cap her juvenile campaign, powered clear with a quarter-mile remaining and never was challenged as she romped to a 4 3/4-length win for owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum and trainer Ismail Mohammed.

Folk covered 1,600 meters (7.95 furlongs) in 1:35.84.

Brazilian Group 3 winner Greetings, who looked impressive in a race equivalent to a North American allowance race at Nad al Sheba on January 25, finished second, one length in front of Argentine Group 1 winner Samba Reggae in third.

“I only had her four days as she was in quarantine, having come from America, but she was training very well, and we never had a problem with her in the short time we’ve had her,” Mohammed said.

“She has shown just how fast she is and we will go for the [United Arab Emirates on March 8] Oaks next.”

Bred in Kentucky by Darley, Folk is out of Polish Style, by Danzig.

To watch a video of the race, click here.

Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times daily news editor