KUALA LUMPUR:  Oct 15, 2023

A maiden in his native New Zealand, KHAYYAM is showing his true potential in Malaysia and underlined this with a runaway win in the Mitavite Asia 25th Anniversary Cup at Sungei Besi here today.

Ridden for the first time by Jose De Souza in the Supreme B race over 1100m, the Showcasing gelding settled a handy third behind the pace set by DABBLE who had a clear lead coming to the straight.

De Souza then started to work on KHAYYAM and the five-year-old responded and collared the leader at the 200m.

While the rest of the field struggled to keep pace, KHAYYAM quickly raced past DABBLE to win drawing away by three and a half lengths. AHTIMS KLIS came with a late surge to pip DABBLE for second placing.

Placed just once in seven starts in New Zealand, KHAYYAM started his Malaysian campaign unbeaten in his first two starts just over a year ago, followed by a third placing. He was then spelled for eight months.

KHAYYAM resumed with a first-up second and has gone on to win two consecutive races.

“It’s nice to ride a horse like him (KHAYYAM),” said Jose. “He settled just where I wanted him and he responded well when pressed for an effort. He has potential and should win again.”

“I am grateful to the trainer and owners for the chance to ride him.”

Trainer AB Abdullah described him as a “special horse”.

“He is one of those who has a swift turn of foot, not many do. He will definitely go up the classes.” 

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