Mahbooba to ride out for De Kock in Cape Verdi race

Mike de Kock holds the whip hand in the Cape Verdi as he bids to become the first trainer to score a repeat win in the Group 2 contest at Meydan Racecourse.

The handler lines up Mahbooba, who crushed nine rivals in the Al Rashidiya Trial on the opening day of the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival a two weeks ago.

The five year old lowered the course record by 0.05 seconds over the 1,800m turf track but must come back in trip for tomorrow's 1,600m contest.

Mahbooba should appreciate the drop back in trip, having proved her versatility last season

She built on her impressive victory in last year's UAE 1000 Guineas with a win over 2,400m in England during the summer.

The last time De Kock won the Cape Verdi it was just a Listed race, but there was no denying the quality of the thoroughbred that won the South African trainer the 2008 contest at Nad Al Sheba.

That night Sun Classique gave weight away all round but still won with ease en route to a facile victoryin the Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup night.