Dubai: Dubai World Cup (G1) runner-up Mukhadram makes his much-anticipated 2014 European debut when he lines up in the prestigious Prince of Wales’s Stakes, one of three glittering Group 1 contests that highlight the opening day’s card at Royal Ascot.
Trained by William Haggas, the five-year-old son of Shamardal will bid to give owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, a fourth success in race after Nayef (2003) and Muhtarram (1994-95).
Shaikh Hamdan won the Epsom Oaks (G1) last weekend with Taghrooda and looks to have a strong team of horses, which includes UAE 2,000 Guineas winner Soft Falling Rain, heading to this year’s Royal Meeting, which runs from June 17-21.
Mukhadram will also be making his third consecutive appearance at the season highlight, having contested the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) last season, where he was narrowly touched off by Al Kazeem, and the Tercentenary Stakes (G3) the previous year, a race in which he finished fifth to Engerzier.
Haggas’ star ran a big race to finish runner-up to African Story at this year’s Dubai World Cup (G1) and is scheduled to contest some of the top middle distance race during the season, including the Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown (July 14), King George (G1) at Ascot (July 26) and Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown (September 13).
However, a lot will depend on how he fares in Wednesday’s renewal of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, which has attracted a cracking field led by 2013 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) sensation Teve, Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) scorer Magician, triple Group 1 winner The Fugue and 2013 Epsom Derby victory Ruler Of The World.
Mukhadram heads to the picturesque Berkshire track in good form, having impressed immensely during his latest workout at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile. With Shaikh Hamdan’s retained jockey Paul Hanagan in the saddle the Shamardal-colt displayed an electrifying turn-of-foot to sweep past the Roger Varian-trained Ektihaam and finish eight lengths clear.
Meanwhile, Shaikh Hamdan’s Royal meeting can get off to a flying start on Tuesday should last year’s UAE 2,000 Guineas and Godolphin Mile winner Soft Falling Rain, rediscover his previous best form, which saw him string together seven victories between January 2012 and March 2013.
South African-trained Soft Falling Rain runs in The Queen Anne Stakes (G1) a race which Shaikh Hamdan has won on two previous occasions with Lahib (1992) and Waajib (1988).
Trained by Mike de Kock, Soft Falling ran a disappointing race in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) on British Champions Day last season, beating one rival home in the 12-runner contest. Connections are hoping for quick ground at Ascot as Soft Falling Rain bids to reverse last season’s form with his conqueror Olympic Glory, who also starts in Tuesday’s big race.
