Ameerat made a brilliant late surge to win the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The 11-1 shot, ridden by Philip Robinson and trained by Michael Jarvis, won the first fillies' classic of the Flat season by a neck after timing its run to perfection.

Goldolphin filly Muwakleh, the mount of Frankie Dettori, had led from the start, but was outsprinted in the final 100 yards.

Ameerat, riding in the yellow and black colours of Sheikh Ahmed, only pulled ahead in the shadow of the winning post.

The Aidan O'Brien trained Toroca finished third at 10-1.

Favourite Karasta was always struggling and only beat one of her 14 rivals home.

Robinson, who won the race on Pebbles in 1984, admitted that he had been confident of his mount's chances in the run-up to the race.

He said: "I was so pleased to get it over with. I was so sure of her.

"She's done everything we've asked of her at home and I'm pleased she's done it on the racecourse too."

The win was a new experience for trainer Jarvis, who was sending out Ameerat for the first time this season.

Oaks option

He said: "This is a great thrill. It's my first English classic in 33 years of training.

"I thought it would never happen but everything comes to those who wait.

"When we hit the rising ground, I thought our filly would quicken up, we ride her to do that.

Ameerat is now quoted between 5-1 and 12-1 for the Oaks at Epsom in June.

But Jarvis added: "She isn't a certain Oaks runner at the moment, I have to discuss it with the connections. She's in the Irish Guineas and the Coronation Stakes."

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Race result

Newmarket 3.45

1 Ameerat (P Robinson) 11-1
2 Muwakleh (F Dettori) 13-2
3 Toroca (M J Kinane) 10-1

15 ran
Also: 9-2 Fav Karasta, 5-1 Crystal Music 4th