Mubtaahij Breezes Easy at Belmont Park
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United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-II) winner Mubtaahij breezed an easy five furlongs May 24 in preparation for the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I). It was his third official work since arriving in New York May 15.
Breaking from the half-mile pole, the Irish-bred son of Dubawi worked over Belmont Park's main track in company with regular workmate Umgiyo. Mubtaahij finished several lengths ahead of his stablemate, earning an official time of 1:03.16, the 18th-fastest time of 24 at the distance.
Trained by South African-based conditioner Mike de Kock, Mubtaahij targeted the Belmont Stakes following an eighth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Umgiyo, most recently ninth in Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs, is nominated to the $1 million Knob Creek Manhattan (gr. IT) and the $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup Invitational during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
Recently, de Kock announced via Twitter that jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. will ride Mubtaahij in the Belmont Stakes.