SHEIKH MOHAMMED'S Go dolphin operation was yesterday playing down its chances of victory in the first two British Classics after contrasting trials from Mark Of Esteem and Hint Shadayid.

Mark Of Esteem, expected to be one of the main challengers to Alhaarth in the 2,000 Guineas, put up a satisfactory performance in his test at the Alquoz race course in Dubai. But the 1,000 Guineas challenger Hint Shadayid failed to impress when she was put through her paces.

The trials overall went fine but we wouldn't want to be too upbeat about things at this stage," said racing manager Simon Crisford.

Mark Of Esteem, ridden by Frankie Dettori, galloped seven furlongs of the sand track but did not pass his lead horse Redoubtable. "He worked satisfactorily and it's not a problem that he did not go past the lead horse," said Crisford. "Today was like a Guineas prep race for him and we would expect him to come on a fair bit."

Mark Of Esteem, beaten a neck by Alhaarth when both horses made their debut at Newmarket last July, won a maiden race at Goodwood when trained by Henry Cecil. The Darshaan colt one of eight horses supplemented yesterday for the Derby was later removed from Cecil's stable in controversial circumstances and it was reported that he had a leg injury.

"That situation has been well documented and he did have a slight knee condition," said Crisford. "But we haven't encountered any problems since then. He's right on schedule for the 2,000 Guineas but we'd prefer to reserve judgment on his chances of beating Alhaarth until he gets over to England."

Crisford admitted to some disappointment over the performance of Hint Shadayid. "Her work was only fair but she should benefit from the trial and we're still aiming her at the 1,000 Guineas," he said.

"We were expecting a little bit more from her but having said that the next to days will be important and there's no need to set the alarm bells ringing just yet."

The Godolphin team, which won three British Classics last year, with Lammtarra, Classic Cliche and Moonshell, tested a total of 19 horses yesterday.

The working party included Derby hero Lammtarra's half brother Kammtarra, Pricket, Mick's Love, Helicon and Russian Revival.

"Kammtarra looks the type that needs more time and he'll start off in a maiden. But he should be fit enough to run at around the time of the Guineas meeting," said Crisford.

Pricket, a full sister to the Oaks winner Diminuendo and winner of her only race last season, is offered at around 20 to 1 for the Oaks. But Crisford warned. "She was disappointing in her trial and is another that looks like she needs more time. She wasn't ideally suited by the sand surface.

"We haven't formulated any plans for her but we'll probably start her off around the Guineas meeting."

Mick's Love, bought out of Mark Johnston's stable last season, worked nicely, according to Crisford, and York's Dante Stakes is a possibility for him. The Law Society colt holds the Derby entry.

The Godolphin team is expecting to bring a squad of 45 horses over to Newmarket on April 28th.