Dubai: Keen Ice and Mubtaahij head a strong field of big-race hopefuls seeking to follow in the hoofprints of Frosted and California Chrome and announce themselves as legitimate contenders for this month’s $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Group 1 Dubai World Cup when they run in the third round of the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, the showpiece race at Meydan on Super Saturday.

Chrome consolidated his position as the ante-post favourite with an effortless performance in a handicap seven days ago, a week after Godolphin-owned Frosted easily landed the middle leg of the Al Maktoum Challenge series.

Keen Ice, who was the only three-year-old to beat US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah last year, represents Eclipse winning handler Dale Romans who in 205 sampled Dubai World Cup victory with the brilliant Roses in May.

A four-year-old son of 2008 Dubai World Cup winner Curlin, Keen Ice will be having his second start of 2016, having finished a closing fourth to Mshawish in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park, four weeks ago.

“He was doing his best work at the end in the Donn,” said Romans. “The track seemed to favour the speed horses that day so it did not really suit him.

“He worked very well last Saturday and my assistant, Tammy Fox, rides him and says he feels in great form and seems to like the track.

“We decided to bring him over early to give him time to get to know the track and acclimatise.”

Mike de Kock, the most successful international trainer at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, has never won a World Cup but believes that Mubtaahij, the winner of last year’s UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan, can be the horse.

A son of top stallion Dubawi, Mubtaahij was campaigned at the highest level in America last season with his best effort coming in the Group 1 Belmont Stakes where he finished fourth behind American Pharoah and only a neck behind Keen Ice.

Mubtaahij made his seasonal debut when fifth in the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes over 1600m last month.

De Kock, who has a good record in Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3, having won it in 2004 and 2009 with Victory Moon and Asiatic Boy said: “We were far from disappointed with his return. We knew he would need the run and the trip was too short for him.

“This is more his trip and he is far straighter having enjoyed a good preparation. He should be a big runner for us.”

Commenting on his two other contenders the South African said: “Pylon needs to improve on what he has achieved in Dubai so far, while Golden Soul has some top dirt form and his owner was keen to try him back on the surface after his excellent turf run on his debut for us.”

Former UAE champion trainer Kiaran McLaughlin who already has a serious Dubai World Cup horse in Frosted, saddles Watershed who was third behind stable companion Confrontation in the Firebreak Stakes.

“He had not run before August and has only had five starts,” said McLaughlin, who won the 2007 Dubai World Cup with Invasor. “The way he was finishing his race last time, along with his build and pedigree, suggest this 2000m trip will suit him.

“It is a tough race but we think he merits the step up in class and we will find out where we stand with him.

“He could be a Dubai World Cup horse but if not, we can drop back in class and trip for the Godolphin Mile.”

Doug Watson saddles two with Pat Dobbs electing to partner Faulkner, fourth in the first round of the Al Maktoum Challenge over 1600m and third in the 1900m middle round behind Frosted.

He won a 1900m handicap on his most recent outing and steps back up considerably in class.

“We had a few issues with him earlier in the season,” said Watson. “He is not the easiest horse to get fit so took a while to reach his peak. His three runs this year have all been good and he is fit and raring to go.

“Obviously it is a hot race but he is in good form and should run a good race.”

 

 

GN Selections

Race Horse

1) 1. Market Rally; 2. Lazzam.

2) 1. Rich Tapestry; 2. Kifaah.

3) 1. Jungle Cat; 2. Sole Power.

4) 1. Le Bernardin; 2. Cool Cowboy.

5) 1. Postponed; 2. Dariyan.

6) 1. Keen Ice; 2. Mubtaahij.

7) 1. Tryster; 2. Prayer For Relief.

Day’s Best: Postponed.