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| Sumita Pawar |
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Al Riffa and Above The Curve, both trained by Joseph O'Brien, may potentially head to Deauville this summer after their recent performances at the Curragh. Al Riffa is owned by Mr. Jassim Bin Ali Al Attiyah, while Above The Curve is owned by Mrs. J Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith, and Westerberg.
After winning the Gr.1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes as a 2YO and having Classic aspirations, Al Riffa faced a setback that delayed his return. However, he recently made a comeback in the International Stakes after a 293-day absence.
O'Brien Anticipates Al Riffa's Comeback
Al Riffa, the son of Wootton Bassett, was sent off as the favorite at 5-6 odds in the 10-furlong Group Three race. However, despite an enterprising ride by Ben Coen, he was unable to catch the front-running and match-fit Mashhoor.
Despite not being able to catch the front-running and match-fit Mashhoor, O'Brien sees several positives from Al Riffa's recent run and is excited for his next race after getting some much-needed race experience at a mile and a quarter.
“He got on nicely and we were pleased to get him started for the season,” said O’Brien.
“We’re looking forward to the rest of the season with him. He has a couple of Group One and Group Two options, we’re looking at a Group Two in Deauville in August as potentially his next start. I think he will most likely stay at 10 furlongs for now.”
After a solid performance in the Pretty Polly Stakes, Above The Curve, owned by Coolmore, finished in third place. The daughter of the American Pharoah maintained a good position throughout the race but was ultimately overtaken by British competitors Via Sistina and Stay Alert. Now, she may aim for her third victory in France's Prix Jean Romanet on August 20.
“She ran a good race and has come out of the Pretty Polly well,” said O’Brien.
“We’re looking at things like the Romanet and other races like that going forward. She has a lot of options there (France) and further afield as well.”