Dubai: Newmarket-trained Muhaarar goes in search of a third successive Group 1 victory when he crosses the English channel to challenge for honours in the Maurice De Gheest Stakes at Deauville in France on Sunday.
Trained by Charlie Hills for champion owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, he faces 11 rivals headed by the Andre Fabre-trained favourite Esoterique.
Run over 1,300 metres, the contest carries a rich purse of €350,000 (Dh1.4 million) with €220,500 going to the winner. Shaikh Hamdan is seeking a first success in the race.
A three-year-old son of Oasis Dream, Muhaarar has captured two prestigious Group 1s in England this season, including the Commomwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket.
However, Sunday’s French showpiece may well be his toughest test to date as the field has depth and quality.
Esoterique is the legitimate favourite as he won the Prix Rothschild over a mile here last year and was far from disgraced when finishing runner-up to Solow in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Ascot in June.
Richard Hannon’s Ivawood has raced at the highest level and was third behind Gleneagles in the both the English and Irish 2000 Guinea. He may have disappointed in the Jersey Stakes at the Royal meeting but will benefit from the slight drops back in distance.
The Tim Hogan-trained Gordon Lord Byron may not be getting any younger but he still has the speed and ability to make his mark in races like this.
Meanwhile, Godolphin’s progressive Buratino seeks a first Group 1 prize when he lines up in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes in Ireland.
Trained by leading British handler Mark Johnston Buratino has improved with every run and heads the eight-runner field.
Leading Irish handler Aidan O’Brien has three entries in Washington DC, Painted Cliffs and Royal Ascot runner-up Air Force Blue.
