MUBTAAHIJ has returned well following his second place to Etijaah in Thursday night’s Listed Curlin Handicap over 2000m on dirt at Meydan.

Mubtaahij in his barn at Blue Stables. (Laura King).

Mike de Kock was very pleased with the run, Mubtaahij’s first after a four-month layoff, and he said: “This was a big run as he was well behind in fitness. I didn’t want to run him again before the Dubai World Cup as I don’t wan’t him visit that (sand) track more than he has to. Now there won’t be a need for another prep run.”

Mike, who was boarding a flight to Melbourne this morning, added: “Mubtaahij pulled up fine this morning, we are happy with him. We should have him at his best come World Cup night.”