Ky. Oaks Next for Godolphin's Danuta?

Godolphin's Danuta romped to an easy five-length victory in Thursday's UAE Oaks at Nad al Sheba racecourse in Dubai, but a representative of the Dubai-based racing giant is not ready to commit the budding star to a trip to Churchill Downs for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

The daughter of 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence led throughout and won under a firm hold from jockey Frankie Dettori. Danuta was bred by Darly Stud Management and is out of the Danzig mare Polish Style.

Desert Glow was second and Godolphin's Ashraaf was third as Danuta completed the Kentucky Oaks distance of 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.69 over a "fast" track.

"We are really pleased that Danuta put up such a nice performance," said Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager. "No decision about whether she goes to the Kentucky Oaks has been made yet."

Danuta has won three of four career starts. Danuta broke her maiden last year at Belmont Park by three lengths on Sept. 15. In her previous start this year, she won a 1,600-meter stakes at Nad al Sheba by 7 3/4 lengths in 1:37.46.

Godolphin has won all three runnings of the UAE Oaks. Imperial Gesture won the race last year and Laoub took its inaugural running in 2001.