JOCKEY Anthony Delpech was confident of winning a Maiden Plate over 1800m on sand at the Vaal, Thursday, on Australian-bred Mooghamir. He told on-course TV host Dave Mollett, pre-race, that the colt had given him a “nice feel” in work and that he’d be disappointed if they were to be beaten.

Delpech was spot-on and his ride spoke volumes. Bowling along merrily on the bridle, Mooghamir dictated matters up front. Delpech played a bit of cat-and-mouse, allowing a few rivals to get within striking distance just after the home bend, but come the 400m-pole his mount extended away with what appeared to be a minimum of effort, winning by 8.25-lengths.

Mooghamir, decent stayer in the making.

“I think he’s a decent sort and he will develop into a good stayer,” said Mathew de Kock of Mooghamir, who may be aimed at a step-up race on turf before anything more important is earmarked for him.

Mooghamir, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, is by Galileo (IRE) from a mare by Red Ransom.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Al Adiyat also bred and owns the useful Mootahadee (Redoute’s Choice), who won his fourth race from 17 starts just half-an-hour after his stablemate’s impressive display, this one under Randall Simons.

Mootahadee, first win over 1450m.

Mootahadee’s win was eye-catching, too. He was six lengths clear of Olympic Owen in a Progress Plate over 1450m and Mathew commented: “Mootahadee has matured into a nice horse. When he was younger he didn’t quite see out this distance and we kept him mostly to sprints, but this win shows that he’s come into himself, he has a bit more stamina now.”