Muarrab Sets Track Record in Mahab al Shimaal

Though the dirt surface at Meydan Racecourse is just in its second year of existence, Muarrab (GB) (g, 7, Oasis Dream {GB}–Licence to Thrill {GB}, by Wolfhound) established a new course record in Saturday's G3 Mahab al Shimaal in besting Kifaah (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) by five impressive lengths Saturday afternoon. Heavily favored Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) was all out to hold third. Muarrab entered this track-and-distance trial for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with an imposing 11 wins from 22 starts, including a 5 1/4-length success in a pre-Carnival handicap in December, but he was really no match for Rich Tapestry when given a tracking trip last time in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint Feb. 11. There were no such tactics this time around, as Paul Hanagan sent Muarrab immediately into the lead from gate one and made Rich Tapestry and Gerald Mosse do the chasing. The Hong Kong galloper was in deep water as Muarrab put a couple of lengths of daylight on him in upper stretch and Muarrab streaked home in the time of 1:10.20. Kifaah stayed on best of the rest for second. Lifetime Record: 23-12-3-2, $427,350. O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum; B-Stratford Place Stud; T-Musabah al Muhairi.