Mubtaahij Easily Earns Kentucky Derby Spot
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Already a starter in England and Dubai, it's hello Kentucky for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum's Mubtaahij after the son of Dubawi overwhelmed eight rivals in the $2 million Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-II) Saturday, March 28 at Meydan.
After Mubtaahij drew off in the stretch to score an eight-length victory and improve to four wins in five starts on the Meydan dirt, his South African-based trainer Mike de Kock said he'd work on learning the words to "My Old Kentucky Home." The UAE Derby is a 100-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, ensuring the Irish-bred two-time stakes winner a spot in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) field.
"This has given us a chance to get to the Kentucky Derby," said de Kock, who has enjoyed tremendous international success but will be making his Kentucky Derby debut. "We'll be there."
Sent off as the favorite in the 1,900-meter (about 1 3/16-miles) race under Christophe Soumillon, Mubtaahij saved ground until he was angled out for the stretch drive, quickly taking command and drawing off to the easy win while geared down late. The Dubawi colt, who was bred by Dunmore Stud Ltd., completed the race in 1:58.35.
Godolphin Racing's well-beaten Maftool edged Hirotsugu Inokuma and Katsumi Yoshida's Golden Barows, a Kentucky-bred son of Tapit , for second.
"I was just behind the leaders and the pace was good, so I followed it into the straight," Soumillon said. "I was going very easily and as soon as I pressed the button it was all over. In the end, I kept some energy for the future, especially if he goes to the Kentucky Derby."
In international pari-mutuel pools, Mubtaahij returned $4.40 to win $2.20 to place/show. Maftool returned $3.60 to place/show and Golden Barrows $2.80.
Mubtaahij was purchased by Form Bloodstock for his current owner for $600,000 at the 2013 Arqana Deauville August yearling sale, where he was consigned by Haras de l'Hotellerie, agent. Out of the Pennekamp mare Pennegale, Mubtaahij is a half brother to group I winner Lily of the Valley and multiple stakes winner Calbuco.