Brazilians go 1-2 in Dubai

Opening night of Nad Al Sheba's Dubai International Racing Carnival had a strong "carnaval" flavor, as the Brazilian-bred and -trained pair of Imperialista and Impossible Ski sambaed to a one-two finish in Round 1 of the $200,000 Maktoum Challenge.

Imperialista, a Southern Hemisphere 3-year-old trained by Cosme Morgado, defeated his countrymate by 2 1/4 lengths in just the sixth start of his career. Second in his most recent start on Oct. 22 in the Group 2 Grande Premio Salgado Filho in Rio de Janeiro, he was ridden by Marcelo Cardoso to complete the dirt mile in 1:35.96.

Impossible Ski, an Antonio Cintra-trained 4-year-old Southern Hemisphere son of Ski Champ, finished five lengths in front of Golden Arrow, who had been fifth in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Notability, from Godolphin Racing, was a dull 12th, while Grand Emporium, the winner of this race two years ago, was 15th.

Imperialista was the only 3-year-old in the 16-runner field. Trainer Morgado has big plans for the colt, who hails from Nashua on his sire's side and from Danzig on his dam's side.

"I think we may run in the UAE 2000 Guineas next" on March 9, said Morgado. "A logical progression would follow, with the UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night," March 31.

The 1 1/8-mile Round 2 of the Maktoum Challenge is set for Feb. 8, with Round 3 at the World Cup distance of 1 1/4 miles slated for March 1.