3 minute read
Paul Hanagan steered Maftool to a narrow success for Godolphin in the UAE 2000 Guineas at Meydan.
Maftool had been beaten by Mubtaahij when slowly away in the official trial for this Group Three contest four weeks ago, but got away on level terms this time.
Richard Hughes set the pace on the Richard Hannon-trained Burnt Sugar until Mubtaahij hit the front two furlongs out, with Maftool (11-10 favourite) in close attendance. Saeed bin Suroor's colt hit the front in the final furlong but was all out to hold the renewed effort of Mike de Kock's runner ridden by Pat Dobbs.
Hanagan said: "He's always got relaxed in the stalls, sometimes too much, and he was slowly away last time but they've done a great job with him at home.
"He started to get in the kickback so I pulled him out, but then ended up getting there too soon. He had to battle in the end."
Hanagan doubled up on the very impressive Tamarkuz, who lowered his own course record in the Group Three Firebreak Stakes. Now in the care of Musabah Al Muhairi, the former Saeed-bin Suroor-trained five-year-old looks made for the dirt surface.
The son of Speightstown was handy throughout with top European performers like Darwin, now with Mike De Kock having been with Aidan O'Brien last summer, and John Gosden's former stalwart Fencing left trailing in his wake.
Tamarkuz pulled further and further clear and looks set for World Cup Night, with the only decision being whether to step up in trip for the World Cup itself or stick at a mile.
Hanagan said: "He hit his head on the gates the last day but he's over those issues now and he's not a bad horse. He loves the dirt, he's bred for it, and has such a good attitude now, all he wants to do is please you. I don't know which race they'll go for but I'm sure there'll be something for him on World Cup Night."
Richard Mullen enjoyed a Group Three triumph on the veteran Reynaldothewizard (6-4 favourite) in the Al Shindagha Sprint
In a battle of the nine-year-olds, it was Satish Seemar's charge who just came out on top against the Fawzi Nass-trained Krypton Factor in this six-furlong dash to supplement his course and distance success four weeks ago.
Speed Hawk, trained by Robert Cowell at Newmarket, was third.
Mullen said: "He's fast become one of my favourites. We got shuffled back at the start but he stays much further.
"He's nine now but he's still as good as ever. It's a great effort by everyone just to keep him sound but to keep his enthusiasm up makes my job a lot easier."