Tamarkuz followed up his powerful victory in the Feb. 12 Firebreak S. (G3) with a comfortable $200,000 Burj Nahaar (G3) on Saturday evening at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
The 5-year-old son of Speightstown has now earned $365,444 off six wins in 12 lifetime starts, and his latest stakes victory made Speightstown North America’s Leading Sire by 2015 stakes wins (8).
In the UAE, Tamarkuz made use of his good tactical speed, racing near the lead before coasting to the front at the top of the lane, then drawing off to win easily by 2 ¾-lengths in 1:37.31 for the 1,600 meters (about 1 mile) over the fast main track.
“He has plenty of ability this horse,” said jockey Paul Hanagan. “He has had a few issues with the (starting gate) in the past but seems over those now. It was hard work out there as there was plenty of pace in the race but this horse has a really high cruising speed and carried me to the front.”
Tamarkuz’s unraced dam Without You Babe is a half-sister to Travers S. (G1) and Cigar Mile (G1) winner Stay Thirsty, as well as Fred Hooper S. (G3) winner Andromeda’s Hero.
Tamarkuz was purchased by Shadwell for $325,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling sale. He is one of five stakes winners, three Graded winners this year for Speightstown.
