FOLLOWING his best career finish from four starts in North America,  Gr1 Woodward runner-up Mubtaahij will be pointed towards the Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup on 8 October at Belmont, said Joe Lee, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Lee noted that the McLaughlin team was pleased with the 4-year-old colt’s showing in the Woodward and have every expectation that Mubtaahij will continue to move forward.

Mubtaahij, racing well in the US.

The Irish-bred son of Dubawi, who runs under Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum’s Essafinaat racing operation, finished second to California Chrome in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup in March for South African trainer Mike de Kock before transferring to McLaughlin later that spring.

Mubtaahij hit the board in his first start for the new barn, posting a close third-place finish in the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap on July 9.

“He looked great in the Woodward,” said Lee. “It was certainly the best he’s run since being stateside so far and he’s been galloping daily since returning to Belmont in continuing preparations for the Jockey Club Gold Cup.”

Lee added that subject to weather Mubtaahij was scheduled to next put in official workouts for the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 23 and 30. – Horse Racing Nation.