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| Staff Writer |
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The Al Maktoum Classic, now running under a new name, was expected to showcase Kabirkhan to the racing fans once again. The Group Two feature covers a distance of 1900m and serves as a "win and you are in" contest for the Dubai World Cup.
It also offers a AED1.2million bonus for the winner of both events.
Kabirkhan's participation in the race would have been the perfect preparation for his appearance in the landmark event on 30th March.
Unfortunately, the progressive son of California Chrome will not be participating, which opens up opportunities for other horses, including Clapton. Clapton made his Dubai debut in the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge presented by Longines on the "Fashion Friday" card in January, where he finished five lengths behind Kabirkhan.
Clapton showed signs of ring rustiness mid-race, and his rider, Antonio Fresu, had to switch him wide to avoid the kickback. Clapton was forced to race five wide while Kabirkhan enjoyed an energy-saving ride from Pat Dobbs. In the end, Clapton fought it out with Franz Strauss for the silver medal, but the latter came out on top. Both Clapton and Franz Strauss are set to race in the Al Maktoum Classic again, alongside Walk Of Stars, Remorse, and Nevershow Weakness from Zabeel Stables.
The presence of Brazilian recruit Moro Do Kentucky, who runs for the first time in the Middle East for trainer Ahmed Al Shemaili and will be ridden by Richard Kingscote, adds an international flavor to the event. Clapton's trainer, Chad Summers, is optimistic about his horse's chances, especially after his morning workouts.
He believes that Clapton is the type of horse that needs his work, given his size and stature, and that the decision to book William Buick for Clapton is a smart move.