Mubtaahij on to Kentucky Derby

by JOHN MUCCIOLO

Al Bastakiya S. hero Mubtaahij lived up to the hype in the UAE Derby (UAE-G2) on Saturday with a punishing, eight-length win over a devastated field. The sophomore colt, who has improved during each race at the Carnival, left his foes in his wake and could have won by more, according to his pilot, Christophe Soumillon.

“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,” his rider noted.

The Mike de Kock charge made fun of a field that looked to be solid at the very least, and he could be the strongest Kentucky Derby starter ever sent to the states from the desert if his conditioner’s assertions are true.

"This has given us a chance to get to the Kentucky Derby," conditioner Mike de Kock said. "We'll be there."

The Irish-bred has handled the dirt with ease, is bred to handle the 10 furlongs at Churchill Downs, and he hails from expert conditions – a nice formula to shine under the Twin Spires in 5 weeks.