Horse Racing: Hibaayeb (GB) Wins the Sheepshead Bay Stakes

Goldolphin Racing’s Hibaayeb (GB) overcame a late charge by Giant’s Play and Cheetah (GB) to win the 2011 edition of the Sheepshead Bay Stakes run at Belmont Park.

Hibaayeb (GB) is trained by Saeed bin Suroor, was ridden to victory by John Velazquez, and was the odds-on favorite at seven-to-five. Hibaayeb (GB) covered the long 1-3/8 mile distance in 2:15.92 on Belmont's inner turf track, which was declared officially firm.

Hibayeeb (GB), in her last race, an allowance at Gulfstream Park, didn't have enough to catch the winner on a 1-1/16 distance. This time, on race that the jockeys made a very tactical one, Hibayeeb (GB) had more than enough distance and stamina to win.

The race developed with Belle Watling (CHI) ridden by Ryan Curatolo, taking the early fractions through the first eight furlongs, closely followed on the outside by Tarrip, who was ridden by David Cohen. Cohen took over for Ramon Dominguez, who didn’t ride today after being on a spill yesterday. Hibaayeb (GB) followed on the inside, these two followed by La Luna De Miel (GER) on fourth.

These four ran virtually unchanged up to the start of the home stretch, when Belle Watling opened up the rail, just where Velazquez moved Hibaayeb (GB) to take the lead, while Giants Play followed also through the inside under the strong urging of Rajiv Maragh.

At the final furlong, it looked like Giants Play had a shot but Velazquez made a final urging and Hibaayeb (GB) responded and stopped the advance of Giants Play. Cheetah (GB), with Garrett Gomez, closed on strong on the outside to finish third over pace setter Belle Watling (CHI), followed by Tarrip and La Luna de Miel (GER) the trailer.

The payouts were:

Hibaayeb (GB)                   $4.90     $3.10     $2.40

Giants Play                                    $5.00     $3.60

Cheetah (GB)                                              $2.90