FLATTER’S Mouheeb put in another impressive performance on Thursday in Dubai with a win in the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) to take his record to two wins from three starts.
Running over a mile on the Meydan dirt for the second time in his career, the 3-year-old was looking to avenge coming just a head short in the trial for this race three weeks before. Piloted by Ryan Curatolo, Mouheeb ran in third about five lengths off the leader down the backstretch before moving off the rail to close the margin a touch as they raced around the sweeping turn.
Curatolo unleashed Mouheeb as they galloped into the straight and the colt went to battle. Closing with every stride, Mouheeb put his head in front only strides before the wire to win by a neck.
“This horse is such a fighter and to ride my first winner here in a big race is just brilliant,” said Curatolo. “I always thought I could get there in that long straight and, credit to the horse who has really fought hard for me. I think he will stay further so I imagine we will look at the UAE Derby but we can enjoy this first!”
Trained by Nicholas Bachalard for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mouheeb was a $400,000 purchase by J. A. S. at last year’s OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds from Tom McCrocklin.
The Charles T. Matses-bred is the third stakes winner for stakes winner Shananie’s Song alongside FLATTERS’ Grade 2 winner and multiple Grade 1-placed Favorable Outcome and Mouheeb’s stakes winner and Grade 2-placed half-sister Bellamentary.
Mouheeb is the 55th career stakes winner and 20th graded stakes winner for Flatter.