Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Rufaa has barely put a foot wrong in 2020. He won his third consecutive race of the season in the Betway Handicap at Newmarket’s July course yesterday.
Partnered by his regular rider Robert Havlin over the 1,400m race, he was a little keen in the early stages as his jockey tried to settle him with cover. There was a reasonably steady pace in this 8-runner race.
Coming under pressure at the 500m mark, he joined the leaders in the final 200m. He then pulled clear easily, winning by two lengths for trainer John Gosden. Improving with every race, Al Rufaa could well be heading into Stakes company for the second half of the season.
This colt is by leading sire Kingman and was bred in France by Jean-Pierre Dubois, one of France’s top breeders. He was bought at the Arqana August Yearling Sale from Haras des Capucines in 2018.