Mafaaz secures ticket to Kentucky Derby

Kempton Park: While Desert Party and others will be trying to qualify for a run in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in May via a win in the UAE Derby (G2) at Nad Al Sheba next week, English-trained colt Mafaaz secured a berth in the famous 'Run for The Roses' by winning the inaugural race of the $80,000 (Dh293,920) Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park outside London on Wednesday night.

Staged under lights, the Kentucky Derby Challenge was run over nine furlongs and the event drew an interesting field of fourteen.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who owns Dubai World Cup favourite Albertus Maximus, had two strong contestants in the race; the once-raced maiden winner Haashed, trained by Mark Johnston; and Mafaaz, one of two contenders saddled by John Gosden.

Haashed started favourite but it was Mafaaz, perfectly ridden by Richard Hills, who landed the spoils.

Never far off the pace, Mafaaz made smooth progress to lead early in the straight, and he held on to win by a head from the fast-finishing Spring To Fame, trained by the Swedish handler Mikael Magnusson.

This was Mafaaz's third run, and also his first this season, and Gosden now has his sights on Churchill Downs.

"My plan is to run him in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and then go for the Kentucky Derby", the trainer said.

"In my opinion, the sooner you get to Churchill Downs, the better, so the horse can train over the dirt course there. That course is a bit special, it has a kind of a feel to it".

Gosden also explained that he believes Mafaaz, a son of Medicean, will stay 10 furlongs. On the subject of jockeyship, he said: "Richard Hills flew in from Dubai this morning, to ride him, and I should think he will ride Mafaaz again in America."

"In fact, Richard will be on his way back to Dubai on the late plane tonight," he added.

Mafaaz, bred in England by the Complimentary Pass Partnership, was an early nominee to the US Triple Crown Series.

He has also been entered for the Derby Stakes (G1) at Epsom in June.

The colt made a winning debut over 7 furlongs at Kempton last September, and stepped up on that effort to run fifth in the Tattersalls Timeform Million over the same distance at Newmarket four weeks later.

Finishing just two-and-a-quarter lengths behind the winner Donativum, Mafaaz put up a very promising performance that day.

That piece of form is very strong, as Donativum (who is now with Godolphin) went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and the runner-up Crowded House took the Racing Post Trophy (G1) on his subsequent start.

The $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes (G1), traditionally one of the hottest prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, is run over 9 furlongs at Keeneland on April 11. Mafaaz is among 183 horses nominated for the race at this stage.

Godolphin have nominated five; City Style, Desert Party, Jose Adan, Midshipman (sidelined), Regal Ransom and Vineyard Haven. .