Mutafaweq Out of Turf; Williams News In

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Godolphin Racing's Canadian International (Can-I) winner Mutafaweq will not run in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT), according to trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

The trainer said he felt the 4-year-old son of Silver Hawk needed more time to recover from his gutsy win in the 1 1/2-mile Canadian International, in which he was all out to beat Williams News after giving up the lead in the stretch.

"He's just a little bit stiff," said bin Suroor. "We prefer to give him time."

Mutafaweq may run next in either the Japan Cup on Nov. 26 or in Hong Kong on Dec. 17.

The defection of Mutafaweq, ironically, is good news for the connections of Williams News, who was not selected into the field for the Breeders' Cup Turf but is first preference of those not selected.

"A few days ago it didn't matter to me whether we got in or not," said Williams News' trainer Tom Amoss. "But as time has gone on and I've seen activity start to build around here, more and more I was hoping that Williams News would get in."

Williams News becomes Amoss' second Breeders' Cup this year. The trainer will also saddle Distaff hopeful Heritage of Gold. The conditioner is guardedly optimistic about Williams News' chances in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

"I have a lot of trouble gauging the Europeans, but on the American side of the track I think that his last race certainly fits in with the rest of these," he said. "Can he duplicate that? That remains to be seen. But off that alone, it makes me feel good."

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