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Alflaila may opt to be added to the entries for the Irish Champion Stakes instead of competing against Mostahdaf, another horse owned by Shadwell, in the upcoming Juddmonte International at York.
Trained by Owen Burrows, Alflaila has an impressive winning streak of four races and recently triumphed in the Group Two York Stakes, which shares the same course and distance as the Juddmonte International.
While it would seem logical for Alflaila to feature on the opening day of the Ebor meeting, Angus Gold, Shadwell's longstanding racing manager, believes it might be wise to separate the two runners.
“It’s unlikely at this stage that we would run the two against each other, I would think,” he said.
“God willing, Mostahdaf stays in good shape – he’ll be the one to represent there. Obviously, we will leave Alflaila in just in case something went wrong.
“Sheikha Hissa may decide to run the two together. But at the same time if he didn’t go there, we may look to supplement Alflaila for the Irish Champion.”
Mostahdaf, trained by John and Thady Gosden, is currently the second favorite behind Paddington, but his rating of 128 positions him as one of the top horses globally.
“Mostahdaf was very impressive at Ascot. We’ve freshened him up, just given him a little break after Ascot and hope we can get him to York in as good a form as he was at Ascot,” said Gold.
“Frankie (Dettori) rode him the other day and was very happy with the horse. And John and all the team there have been happy. On paper, it’s a fascinating clash. Let’s hope it lives up to its billing.”
Al Husn's Rise To Fame
Another strong contender donning Shadwell's renowned blue and white silks at the Knavesmire is Al Husn, trained by Roger Varian. Al Husn is expected to tackle a longer distance in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.
“She’s never run over this trip before and nobody has ever particularly said she needs that trip,” said Gold.
“She’s so tough and she’s such a little star of a filly that she might well stay. On pedigree, the mare (Hadaatha) I think would have stayed – she was by Sea The Stars out of a Linamix mare. And Al Husn’s by Dubawi – they can do anything.
“She a very easy filly to ride and she’s got a heart the same size as her. So, she might well get it and it would be fun to try it, but we’re in the luxurious position of her already being a Group One winner now, so we’ll just see how Roger and his team feel she is and whether she’s ready to go again.”