Musir scores impressively in Dubai

Musir has scored a fine victory in Thursday evening’s one-mile Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 G3 on the all weather track at Meydan in Dubai.

The 5YO Australian-bred entire son of Redoute’s Choice and Dizzy De Lago tracked the early leaders comfortably in fifth place until Christophe Soumillon eased him out and forward about two furlongs out. Musir responded powerfully and strode home to win by 3 lengths in 1.35.85 from his stablemate Master Of Hounds.

It was Musir’s 7th win and his fifth in Group company since he began racing as a 2YO in South Africa. His earnings for owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum now exceed $A2.2 million.

“He’s like a superstar, he’s just an amazing horse,” said Soumillon. “Two years ago he showed us how good he was by winning two Classics here. But I think he’s a much better horse this year.”

Trainer Mike de Kock added: “I think his preparation has been better this year. He ran some big races in England and broke the course record at Turkey where he won a Group 2 race. I’d like to run him in the Dubai Duty Free (Group 1). I think he’ll be an even better horse on turf.”

Musir is one of four stakeswinners among Redoute’s Choice’s 20 winners from 22 runners in the northern hemisphere. The others, all conceived in Australia to northern time, are Elzaam & Tazahum (England) and Clianthus (Japan).

Thanks to gulfnews.com for the trainer & jockey comments.