Stagelight upsets UAE Guineas

As many as three Kentucky Derby dreams ended at Nad Al Sheba Thursday night as Stagelight sprung a mild upset in the UAE 2000 Guineas.

The Group 3, $250,000 mile was to have been a springboard to the UAE Derby for Triple Crown nominees Kandidate, Tony James, and Becrux. The first two finished fourth and 16th, while Becrux was 13th.

Stagelight took the lead at the three-sixteenth pole and went on to a three-length victory over Gypsy Johnny in 1:40.42.

Jack Sullivan sprung a bigger upset with his 1 1/4-length victory over Chiquitin in Round 2 of the Group 3 Maktoum Challenge. Grand Emporium, winner in Round 1 of the Challenge, finished fourth in the 1 1/8-mile $200,000 Round 2.