Aussies dominate UAE Derby

South African trainer Mike de Kock and owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa have a strong hand in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan on Saturday night with Australian bred three year-olds Musir, Raihana and Solid Choice.

Musir (3c Redoute’s Choice – Dizzy De Lago by Encosta De Lago) was offered for sale at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but was passed in for $900,000.  Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bred the colt and made the decision to send him to South Africa where he posted a Group 1 victory in the 2009 Golden Horseshoe (1400m).

A last-start winner of the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, Musir is highly regarded by connections.  “He is a bit special and the longer trip of the Derby will not be a problem,” de Kock predicted after the Guineas.

Champion French jockey Christophe Soumillon was also impressed.  “He has a real touch of class,” Soumillon said.  “He’s a pleasure to ride.”

A week after the UAE 2000 Guineas, the de Kock trained filly Raihana came from last to score a comprehensive victory in the Listed UAE Oaks at Meydan.

Raihana (3f Elusive Quality – Esubooh by Sunday Silence) is a direct descendant of champion mare Emancipation (Bletchingly) who was accorded Australian Horse of the Year honours in 1984.

Solid Choice (3c Redoute’s Choice – Venetian Pride by Gone West) was a Listed winner of the Gatecrasher Stakes in Durban and then finished fourth to Musir from an outside gate in the G1 Golden Horseshoe.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa is a first cousin of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.  His most successful runner in Australia has been Murtajill (Rock Of Gibraltar) who is now based at stud at Patinack Farm.  He was a black-type winner of the Breeders’ Plate and Skyline Stakes at Randwick.