http://live.drf.com/nuggets/11943
Trainer Mike de Kock told me this morning that MUBTAAHIJ was likely to be sent to the Kentucky Derby if he finishes first or second in the UAE Derby on Saturday night.
A win would give Mubtaahij 100 points, easily enough to make the field if, as expected, the connections of more than 20 horses want in. Second-place Saturday is worth 40 points, which also probably would be enough to make the field.
Racing against Dubai-based 3-year-olds, de Kock isn't entirely sure what he has in Mubtaahij, but the colt has excelled since being switched to dirt this winter, and unlike many American 3-year-olds, the Derby's mile-and-a-quarter would not be an impediment.
"The farther the better with this horse, I think," de Kock said.