Ibn Al Haitham was produced from the Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-I) and Gran Premio del Jockey Club (Ity-I) winner Awaasif (by Snow Knight), who also finished third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I). Awaasif has also produced Epsom Oaks (Eng-I) winner Snow Bride (Blushing Groom), the dam of Epsom Derby (Eng-I) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (Eng-I) winner Lammtarra (Nijinsky II).Sunday Break and Puzzlement are both expected to use the Peter Pan as a prep for the fianl leg of the Triple Crown, with Fast Decision and Heir d' Twine likely for Saturday's race. Deputy Dash and Essayons are listed as questionable for the Peter Pan.
Godolphin Racing's Ibn Al Haitham breezed Wednesday morning at Belmont Park in preparation for a start in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) on Saturday at Belmont Park. The maiden son of Zafonic finished third in the UAE Derby (UAE-II) in his lone start this year and completed his breeze in 1:00 2/5 on the main track."We could always drop him back down into a maiden special weight," said assistant trainer Tom Albertrani. "It's a bit of a step up for him, but it looks like there could be a short field and it would be a good opportunity."Ibn Al Haitham has finished second on three occasions, including a three-length loss to stablemate Essence of Dubai in the Norfolk Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita last year. With a victory in the 1 1/8-mile Peter Pan, Godolphin might consider entering Ibn Al Haitham in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes along with Kentucky Derby ninth-place finisher Essence of Dubai.
