California Chrome’s Kabirkhan Up To The ‘Challenge’

KABIRKHAN (c, 4, Califorrnia Chrome–Little Emily, by Castledale {Ire}) continued his fairy-tale run at the Dubai Racing Carnival, as he raced prominently following a bit of a sluggish dispatch and powered home late to easily take out Friday's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan. Returning just a fortnight after annexing a 2000-metre handicap, the $12,000 Keeneland September bargain raced ahead of midfield in about fifth position as First Constitution (Chi) (Constitution) burned plenty of fuel to inject some pace into his race for the commonly owned GIII Lukas Classic winner Clapton (Brethren). Three wide and right there to pounce for the run around the turn, the chestnut with the big white blaze–his Dubai World Cup winning sire's body double–went for home three off the inside and had four lengths on Franz Strauss (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) in a solid clocking for the 1900 metres. Trainer Chad Summers indicated pre-race that they would be content to race Clapton wide so as not to be trapped inside as they were when finishing down the field in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic when last seen. Five deep on the circle, Clapton plugged on gamely for Antonio Fresu and managed to cling on for third. Kabirkhan is the first Northern Hemisphere Group 1 winner for the expatriated California Chrome and a first Thoroughbred Group 1 winner for the affable Doug Watson. Sales history: $12,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP. O-Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev; B-Kehner Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Doug Watson.

 

 

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