Godolphin spree continues

Godolphin's appetite for ready-made Group 1 performers continued on Wednesday when Sheikh Mohammed's international concern purchased the Irish Oaks and Prix Vermeille winner Shawanda and the Queen Anne Stakes victor Valixir from the Aga Khan.

Godolphin also announced that it had bought a two-time Irish Group 3 mile winner, Caradak, as well as a Group 2- and Group 3-winning filly, Oiseau Rare. Last month Godolphin purchased the Group 1 Juddmonte International winner Electrocutionist from Earle Mack, a deal that prevented him from running in the Japan Cup. At that time Godolphin also picked up leading juvenile colt Palace Episode, winner of the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy; the St. Leger runner-up The Geezer; and Gonbarda, a German-bred 3-year-old filly who has won a pair of 1 1/2-mile, Group 1 races against older colts, the Deutschland-Preis and the Preis von Europa.

Sheikh Mohammed has been in a spending mood of late. On Tuesday it was announced that the Maktoum family-backed Dubai Ports World had purchased P&O Steam Navigation Co., Britain's largest cargo transporter, for $5.7 billion.