Mubtaahij, the first runner of the season for Mike de Kock, was the impressive winner of the opening 1600m maiden at Meydan last night, losing his maiden tag at the third attempt.

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Ridden by Dane O’Neill, he was never far off the pace and quickened well when asked by the jockey. The pair led about 100m from home and won going away from Year Of Glory with a long way back to the third. 

O’Neill said: “That was a good performance in what seemed a decent little contest. He is only a 2yo so to beat his elders in style is impressive. He should have a lot more to offer.” 

Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi supplied the 1-2 in a 1400m handicap with stable jockey Silvestre de Sousa denying stable companion Mooqtar in game fashion. 

The pair led virtually the whole way and the 4yo filly impressed her jockey who said: “She was really gutsy when the second tried to get past. I was keen to get to the front early on and she found plenty when I asked her.” 

Trainer and jockey doubled up when Atlantic Brave took a second handicap over the same course and distance, winning for the first time since November 2012 when he was involved in a dead-heat at Jebel Ali. 

De Sousa said: “The horses are running really well at the moment and we are enjoying a really productive patch. Hopefully it can continue. This horse has been a great servant to the yard over many years.” 

Richard Mullen, riding for his main employer, Satish Seemar, was aboard Filfil who landed a 1600m handicap comfortably, just as he had done 27 days earlier. 

Settled off the speed, Mullen sent his mount to chase the speed 600m from home and the pair hit the front with about 200m left. Mullen said: “You have to take your time with this horse and he has to be held up. The more sand kicked at him the more he seems to like it. He is a real dirt specialist.”