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NYRA Press Release: Shadwell Stables’ Mohaymen, looking to rebound from his fourth-place finish as the favorite in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy on July 30, zipped a bullet half-mile on the main track this morning in his final serious move before the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 27.
Under regular exercise rider Rob Massey, the gray Tapit colt was caught in 47.33 seconds, with clockers catching him in :22 2/5 for the first quarter and galloping out in 1:00. The move was the fastest of 75 at the distance.
“He worked well,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “We were happy with the way he did it. Rob said he never felt better. We’re under the radar [for the Travers] and hopefully we’ll stay there.”
Mohaymen, who fetched $2.2 million at the Keeneland September yearling sales, won four straight graded stakes after breaking his maiden, including the Grade 2 Holy Bull and the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park to open his 3-year-old campaign. He was then fourth as the favorite behind Nyquist in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, and fourth again in the Kentucky Derby.
Given a break by McLaughlin, Mohaymen did not run again until the Jim Dandy, in which he stumbled at the start and then weakened to finish 5 ¾ lengths behind upset winner Laoban in the 1 1/8-mile race.
“I don’t have an explanation for that,” said the trainer. “Funny track? Funny result? But all is well. He’s put on some weight since the race, and he’s just doing really well.”
Also out for McLaughlin Friday morning were Tamarkuz, who went a half-mile in 49.98 for the Grade 1 Priority Jets Forego on the main track, with the Forego-bound Marking going the same distance in :48 2/5 on the all-weather surface at the Greentree training center. Also breezing at Greentree was Sentierio Italia, who was clocked in :48 4/5 for the Grade 2 Ballston Spa.
Mubtaahij, who returned from a runner-up finish in the Dubai World to finish third in the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap, went a half-mile in 49.08 for the Grade 1 Woodward on September 3.
Cavorting, who is 3-for-3 at the Spa including victories in the Grade 2 Adirondack, the Grade 1 Test and the Grade 2 Prioress, will gallop into the Grade 1 Personal Ensign after having her last official work on Tuesday, said McLaughlin.
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