Alhaazm again shows his liking for Dundalk

Alhaazm followed up a win at Dundalk last month when completing a quick double on the evening for connections in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap.

Trained by Kevin Prendergast for Hamdan Al Maktoum and ridden by Chris Hayes, as Mudlahhim was just half-an-hour earlier, the Cape Cross gelding appreciated this step up to a mile.

The well-backed 7/2 chance challenged in the straight and kept on well to get on top close home for a head verdict over Imposing Supreme Raphael who met some interference before the straight, finished three quarters of a length back in third.

Hayes said, “It was grand to see him do that again. He’s been flying at home since and I thought that trip would suit him.

“I thought we were going too steady and eased him out after a furlong. He hit a bit of a flat spot when they quickened but I liked the way he hit the line.

“He’s one you would like to have for next year and I think he could be very competitive in those big handicaps. He obviously goes on this surface so you wouldn’t see him for the Lincoln early on.

“Maybe running over seven crowned him because he half-speeded with me and that’s why I thought we were going too slow. Normally he’s behind the bridle at home.

“You’d imagine a better handicap where they are going a stronger pace would suit him even better.”