Mazin's Estimraar takes step-up in his stride

A great day for jockey Wayne Smith, who scored a winning double, turned into another outstanding one for leading owner Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum at Nad Al Sheba racecourse yesterday.

Smith was in cracking form astride Mawaheb and Estimraar, two of a trio of winners that carried the all-black silks of Sheikh Rashid. The treble took Sheikh Rashid's tally of wins to an impressive 18 with the season yet to move into top gear.

While Mawaheb's victory in a very competitive looking maiden's race over seven furlongs was impressive the way Estimraar handled his steep rise in class to win the meet's featured race demonstrated what good team work can achieve.

The Holy Bull grey was considered a handicapper at best by his connections, but following his third successive win of the season Estimraar has now emerged as a possible Maktoum Challenge candidate.

"He's really improved a lot and from the back of my mind I would have to say that he looks a Maktoum Challenge horse," said Smith after Estimraar's hard-fought three-quarter length victory over Jebel Ali veteran Yajree in the 70-100 handicap.

"He's a bit of a lazy horse but he always finds something in a race. When horses come at him he seems to find extra. He'll improve for the effort and he'll probably have a bit of break before his next race is planned."

Smith set sail for home two furlongs out hotly pursed by Gary Hind astride Yajree. And Estimraar, whose two previous wins this season came in modest handicap races, displayed his battling qualities to hold on for a decisive three-quarter length victory.

Smith's other winner, Mawaheb, also battled hard for his rider to see off Takteek, ironically also ridden by Hind for the Jebel Ali Stables. Strongly fancied Mount Joy, the former Godolphin horse now with Paddy Rudkin, clearly looked like he needed the run and could manage no better than eight place in the 16-runner event.