Classy flat performer Mohaafeth will lead a selected William Haggas task force to the Middle East in the new year.
The Shadwell Estate-owned 3-year-old will be targeted at the Dubai Turf (G1) in Meydan in March, where he has a 6-1 opening from Paddy Power.
The $6 million race on nine furs, won this past March by John Gosden trained by John Gosden Lord North , can play to the strengths of Mohaafeth, who racked up four straight wins in the first part of last season, culminating in his success at Hampton Court Stakes (G3) across 10 games in Royal Ascot.
Then the son of Frankel may not have lasted home on a slightly longer trip at York in his two most recent outings, most recently behind Mishriff at Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) in August.
Haggas said: “Mohaafeth is in good form after the break and the plan will be to aim for the Dubai Turf with him. He’s a little bit eager to prove himself as a group 1 horse, but he’ll get there. with a fresh horse when he’s been in hiding” t been running since August. Hopefully, getting around Meydan will suit him as well as the ground as he likes it better or faster. “
William Haggas
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “It will be interesting to see how the winner of the Hampton Court Stakes beats Meydan as he was beaten only by one head at the York Stakes (G2), and certainly will. certainly not disgraced after the Mishriff at Juddmonte International.”
Haggas recently took charge of the former German coaches Grocer Jack , was the third highest priced lot at Tattersalls horse training sales in October when it was beaten by Najd Stud / Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock for 700,000 guineas ($1,011,721).
4 year old son of Oasis dream won group 3 at Hoppegarten when last seen in action in October and had previously watched the smart home Skalleti in a group of 1 in Munich.
Formerly coached by Waldemar Hickst, Grocer Jack was purchased with a race in mind.
Haggas said: “Grocer Jack is settling into a good life and the plan will be to take him to the Saudi Cup (G1). It will be a first outing along the way but hopefully, he will join and he will. He could also go to Meydan , but we’ll see how he gets to Riyadh first. My Oberon who can go to Saudi. “
