Tamarkuz joining McLaughlin for Met Mile

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Tamarkuz, the nose winner of the Grade 2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup Night at Meydan, will soon ship to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin’s New York barn and be pointed to the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap on Belmont Stakes Day.

Tamarkuz, owned by Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stable, is a Kentucky-bred son of Speightstown. Tamarkuz’s dam, Without You Babe, is a half-sister to Stay Thirsty, who in 2011 won the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct and the Travers and Jim Dandy stakes at Saratoga.

Tamarkuz has won 7 of 13 starts, including his last four, all at one mile on dirt at Meydan. He swept the series of group stakes contested at a mile, concluding with a narrow victory over Sloane Avenue, who also has been mentioned as possible for the Met Mile. Shared Belief, North America’s top-ranked older male, is also targeting the Met Mile.

McLaughlin said he was contacted by Rick Nichols, racing manager for Sheikh Hamdan, about training the horse in the United States.

“He’s by Speightstown, very well bred; he’s a possible stallion for them here in America,” said McLaughlin, who won the 2008 Met Mile with Divine Park. “He was very game on the night, winning that photo. We’ll probably look at the Met Mile. That’s 60 days away, but that’s perfect. We’re thankful and excited.”

McLaughlin said Tamarkuz is expected to ship to the U.S. on April 17 and after a day or two in quarantine will join his stable at Belmont Park.