Mustaaqeem to skip the Guineas

Mustaaqeem will not be running in the R1-million Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Saturday 3 March but will rather be aimed at a Pinnacle Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein one week later.

That was confirmed by assistant trainer Mathew de Kock yesterday.

“He pulled up a bit stiff after his comeback run last time but is now extremely well. We nominated him for the Guineas but he will not run, especially as he drew widest No 23.”

He has also been nominated to run in the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes over 1400m on Guineas Day but once again he has drawn wide at No 20.

“We have earmarked a Pinnacle Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein on 10 March and that is the most likely race to put him in,” said De Kock.

Last season’s Equus Champion two-year-old colt went off a 7-20 favourite on 8 February at the Vaal for his first run as a three-yearold but was beaten 0.90 lengths into fourth place by Africa Rising in a 1200m contest.

It was his first run back after an eight-month layoff and the connections were happy with the effort. “In hindsight I think we should’ve dropped him off the pace and had him run at them rather than go toe-to-toe up front with them. However, the loss takes away the pressure – there was way too much expectation about him,” said De Kock.

“He was a little stiff after that run but he is fit and well now.”