Donativum, making his first start since winning the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf last fall, finished fourth in the listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket on May 23.
The 3-year-old son of Cadeaux Genereux was making his racing debut for Godolphin and was ridden by Frankie Dettori, who was also aboard in the Breeders' Cup. Alyarf, a Darley-bred son of Dixie Union owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, bolted away to a 1 3/4-length win in the seven-furlong Charles II, a stakes restricted to 3-year-olds.
Donativum, the 13-8 favorite in the field of seven, pulled his way to the front to challenge Alyarf in the early stages of the race. Jockey Richard Hills soon kicked clear of the field, however, and won easily in spite of tiring when close to the wire. Nasri finished a clear second, while 18-1 shot Courageous nipped Donativum for third. The race was contested over good to firm going.
Saeed bin Suroor, Donativum's new trainer, told Racing Post, "He needed the run and might go to the Jersey Stakes now."
The Jersey Stakes (Eng-III) is June 17 at Royal Ascot.
Donativum joined the Godolphin team in Dubai this winter following a sparkling juvenile campaign for John Gosden, including the half-length Breeders’ Cup score at Santa Anita. He ended his 2008 campaign with three straight victories.
