Dubai: Eleven years since Haafhd stormed to victory in the 2,000 Guineas (G1), a quartet of horses will bid to recreate history for one of flat racing’s most influential owners when the 207th running of the English Classic takes place at Newmarket, England, on Saturday.

Haafhd was the second Shadwell-bred winner of the prestigious race after Nashwan gave Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, a first victory in 1989.

Shaikh Hamdan is represented by Estidhkaar, a dual Group race winner last season, impressive Newbury scorer Intilaaq, who was supplemented at a cost of £30,000 (Dh170,113), Greenham Stakes (G3) victory Muharaar, and Craven Stakes (G3) runner-up Nafaq.

Despite being beaten on his most recent stable by another Shaikh Hamdan-owned colt, Muhaarar, trainer Richard Hannon holds the Irish-bred son of Dark Angel in high regard, and wrote on his website: “I was surprised he was still 14-1 after the race when I thought he would be 5-1, especially the way he was coming back at the line, showing he will benefit from the extra furlong of the Guineas.

“He was narrowly beaten but take the winner away and he has finished four and a half lengths clear of multiple winners in the best Greenham field I have seen in many years.”

Newmarket handler Roger Varian, who is responsible for Intilaaq, issued a positive bulletin about the American-bred colts prospects: “Intilaaq won at Newbury like a very good horse and he has trained beautifully since.

“He has natural speed to be comfortable at a mile but also has the stamina to stay further, which should stand him in good stead in a 2000 Guineas. He is a colt we have always held in high regard and feel he deserves to take his chance in an open-looking race.”

Varian could also run last season’s Dewhurst Stakes (G1) winner, Belardo, who is owned by Godolphin, looking for a first Guineas success since Island Sands back in 1999

“Belardo has also been left in the 2000 Guineas. He didn’t let himself down on the fast ground at Newbury but he has come out of that race perfectly fine,” said the handler.

“We have every reason to believe that he will continue to be a Group One horse but will need ease in the ground to be at his best.

“We would need the ground to ease for him to take his chance on Saturday.”

Godolphin have also supplemented the Andre Fabre-trained Territories, winner of the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau earlier this month.

Aidan O’Brien, who has won the race four times in the last 11 years, runs ante-post favourite Gleneagles, Highland Reel, Ol’ Man River and War Envoy.