Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Mutakayyef (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has been somewhat of a slow burner throughout his career, but the 5-year-old will get another shot at Group 1 glory this year when he togs out for the G1 QIPCO Champion S. at Ascot Oct. 15. The William Haggas trained gelding only won his first stakes race this year, a listed race at York in June, but he has swiftly risen the ranks since, posting two fine efforts in defeat in his last two starts. He finished a slightly unlucky third to Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International at York in August before filling the same berth behind the brilliant Tepin (Bernstein) in the GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile S. at Woodbine Sept 17. Mutakayyef also has an entry in the G1 QIPCO QEII S. also on Champions Day.
William Haggas explained, “Mutakayyef is going for the Champion S. as I think Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum wants to run Awtaad in the QEII.”
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