MUSTAAQEEM returns to racing in a Progress Plate over 1200m at the Vaal on Thursday.

Last season’s Equus champion two-year-old colt comes off a break of nine months since winning his only two starts by a combined 11,50 lengths.

The son of Redoute’s Choice had knee surgery during his break and Mike de Kock commented from Dubai: “Mustaaqeem had a knee chip removed, it was a small chip and he has fully recovered, he is striding as well as ever.”

Mustaaqeem, good comeback likely.

Mike elaborated: “We’ve given Mustaaqeem some good work, he has galloped on sand and on grass, but we haven’t squeezed him hard. He is looking exceptionally well and has been enjoying his work. He’ll have a chance of making a winning comeback, but of course we can’t predict with utmost confidence how he will go.

“I think Mustaaqeem will see out 1400m like his brother Rafeef. The Vaal race will show us if he still prefers sprinting and if he does we will probably aim him at a race like the Merchants in March and keep him down the straight. We’re looking forward to his return!”