Both trainer Charlie Hills and jockey Jim Crowley attributed first-time blinkers as the key to getting Mutasaabeq’s head back in front in today’s Group Two Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Joel Stakes over a mile at Newmarket today.
Shadwell’s homebred four-year-old Invincible Spirit colt had not entered the winner’s enclosure since making a winning reappearance at Thirsk back in April. He had run some notable races in defeat, however, most notably when runner-up in the Group Two bet365 Mile at Sandown Park and in the Summer Mile at the same level at Ascot.
In today’s contest, the 5-2 chance made all for a three-quarter length victory over the staying-on El Drama.
Charlie Hills said: “I think they (the blinkers) have helped as he has worked twice in them since his last run and we were happy with him so why not leave them on him. He had a nice easy time of it in front here which suited and he has won here twice before so he likes the track. The Challenge is in a couple of weeks’ time but I will speak to Sheikha Hissa and Angus Gold.
“He has run two mediocre races at Goodwood so we probably won’t go back there again. At Sandown he looked unlucky and at Epsom he ran a good race. He has run some solid races this year. He is a sound horse and is solid and consistent and now he has had a win of this nature hopefully he can step up. He just seems to enjoy it here. He has won here three times now. He has got a nice action and he probably handles those undulations better than others.”
Jockey Jim Crowley added: “He is a horse that maybe doesn’t give you his full attention and the blinkers have helped. I just bounced out and let him use himself today. I wanted to get the rail on him in front with a set of blinkers on to give him something to run against and it has worked out well.
“He’s a lovely horse and physically he’s a good stamp. Although it has taken a while this summer it’s nice to get his head in front eventually.
“There is not long left now and I don’t know what the plans are but he’s a good solid horse and hopefully will be around next season.”
Trainer Roger Varian said of runner-up El Drama: “He ran great. We will see how he comes out of the race but he ran really well. Hopefully he can run another once or twice in the autumn. It was a good run so there is plenty to look forward to with him.
“There was a point where I thought he would get there. I was just ruing we didn’t get a bit of room earlier but that is how the race unfolded however he has run great. Hopefully there will be another day for him in the future.”
By Graham Clark – Jockey Club Press Release
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