Trainer Mike de Kock’s Belmont Stakes hopeful Mubtaahij continued to keep busy Wednesday morning with his fourth timed workout since arriving at Belmont Park on May 15.

Ridden for the first time by Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been named to ride on June 6, Mubtaahij visited the main track shortly after the renovation break, where the Irish-bred son of Dubawi worked an easy half-mile as planned, picking up the pace at the three-eighths pole, according to de Kock’s assistant trainer, Trevor Brown.

“He went well,” said Brown. “He basically did exactly what we wanted him to. The important thing was just getting the jockey on him to give him a chance to get accustomed to the horse and get to know him. Irad was pretty happy with the horse. He said he’s ready.”

Mubtaahij got an official time of 38.05 seconds for three furlongs, the fifth-fastest of seven at the distance. The UAE Derby winner will very likely make another appearance on the worktab in the remaining ten days until the Belmont Stakes.

“I speak to Mike every day and he tells me what he wants from the horse, obviously gauging from his well-being and how he’s eating,” Brown said. “And [Mubtaahij] doesn’t stop eating. If they’re eating, they’ll work. Mike isn’t shy to work horses.”

Mubtaahij’s Australian-bred stablemate Umgiyo also took to the track on Wednesday for a little light training. “He just had a jog around the track today so it was an easy day for him,” said Brown. “He’s doing very good. He’ll probably work sometime this weekend.”

The Danehill Dancer gelding is in consideration for either the Grade 1 Knob Creek Manhattan Stakes or the Belmont Gold Cup Invitational during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
– NYRA Press Office