Hard-knocking veteran Snaafy took the lead with over two furlongs to go and cruised to a comfortable 4 3/4-length victory in the listed Jebel Ali Mile at Jebel Ali Racecourse Feb. 4. The eight-furlong contest, originally scheduled for Jan. 28, was rescheduled due to a sandstorm that cancelled racing last week.
Ridden once again by Richard Hills, the 7-year-old son of Kingmambo broke alertly and was content to sit just off the early pace that was set by Il Grande Maurizio. He was joined by Tiz Now Tiz Then, as Wonder Lawn and Tayyab sat just behind them.
As the field entered the long home straight, Il Grande Maurizio began to fade. Snaafy, who had tracked the leader closely the entire trip, assumed command and drew off from the rest of the field for the easy victory. Atlantic Brave got up late to take second, finishing 1 3/4 lengths in front of Escape Route.
The final time for one mile was 1:38.01 over a fast dirt course.
The victory improved Snaafy’s overall record to seven wins in 19 starts, with five of his victories coming on dirt tracks.
Snaafy is trained by Musabah Al Muhari for owner Sheik Hamdan al Maktoum. He was bred in Kentucky by Shadwell Farm, and is out of the Lahib mare, Nafisah. Stakes-placed at both two and three, Nafisah is a half-sister to Irish champion Mutakarrim.