Mahbooba leaves it late
Mahbooba arrived with a late rattle to claim the Balanchine, sponsored By SOG Operations, at Meydan today.
Mike de Kock's five-year-old filly took what felt like an age to find her stride, and required skilful handling from Christophe Soumillon.
Stablemate Reem held a slender advantage as the field straightened for home in the Group Two over nine furlongs, but she was strongly pressed by First City.
But Soumillon's companion was only just discovering her rhythm and galloped clear of the protagonists to secure a second victory at this year's Dubai Carnival.
De Kock said: "We knew the 1600m in the Cape Verdi was going to be on the short side and she has needed the 1800m (nine furlongs) here.
"She won over further in the UK last year and I think we will try the 2400m of the Dubai City Of Gold on Super Saturday with a view to aiming her at the Dubai Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night."
