All eyes on Mubtaahij
NOW back with original trainer Mike de Kock, Mubtaahij will kick off his five-year-old campaign in tonight’s listed Curlin Handicap, a course-and-distance prep for the March 25 Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan.
The 2 000m test, formerly just a handicap, was used by Curlin in 2008 and California Chrome last year as a springboard to World Cup glory.
It was elevated to listed stakes status this season, and rebranded in Curlin’s honor, while maintaining handicap conditions.
Mubtaahij, off a mark of 132, rates as the class of the Curlin Handicap field. One of the stars of the 2015 Dubai Carnival, the son of Dubawi romped in the UAE Derby (G2) to book his ticket to Churchill Downs.
He didn’t do himself justice when eighth behind American Pharoah in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but fared better to finish fourth to the Triple Crown champ in the Belmont (G1).
Freshened for the 2016 Carnival, Mubtaahij took three starts to round into form.
He saved his best for last with a runner-up effort to California Chrome in the World Cup.
Mubtaahij subsequently joined Kiaran McLaughlin for another stateside sojourn.
His three-race venture didn’t produce a win, but he did prove himself up to US Grade 1 level by missing narrowly to Shaman Ghost in the Woodward (G1) and finishing third in the Suburban (G2).
Mubtaahij failed to duplicate that form when a well-beaten fourth to World Cup rival Hoppertunity in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in his latest appearance October 8.
Arrogate
The Bob Baffert-trained Hoppertunity, who finished third in last year’s World Cup, has been nominated for the 25 March 2017 Dubai World Cup along with a host of other global stars including stable companion Arrogate, recently recognised by Longines as the world’s best racehorse of 2016.
The Curlin Handicap, the sixth of seven races scheduled for Meydan tonight, is due off at 7.25pm and can be viewed live on Tellytrack [DSTV 239].
- Brisnet.com