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| Staff Writer |
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After suffering a surprising loss in the Juddmonte International last week, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes became more unpredictable as Aidan O'Brien withdrew Paddington, who was previously the favorite to win. Al Riffa could take advantage of the situation and attempt to win the race.
Joseph O'Brien was unable to win the race during his riding career, but as a trainer, he has a strong contender in Al Riffa. The strapping son of Wootton Bassett may compete in the 1m2f event, which is currently being considered. Al Riffa missed the first three months of the season due to a setback that prevented him from participating in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, a race in which he was the ante-post favorite. However, he demonstrated his readiness to make up for lost time with an impressive performance at a Group Two event in Deauville this month, where he finished just three-quarters of a length behind Arc favorite Ace Impact.
O'Brien was understandably pleased with the performance and is currently considering whether Al Riffa should next appear at Leopardstown or Longchamp.
O'Brien said, "Al Riffa will either go to the Irish Champion Stakes or the Prix Niel. It was a great run the last day. The winner is one of the best three-year-olds in Europe and we were right in the mix with him. Hopefully the best is yet to come from him too."
An update on Nassau Stakes runner-up Above The Curve was provided by O'Brien. O'Brien is interested in her next start in France, as the 4YO daughter of American Pharoah has already won twice in France, including the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary last year.
He said, "Above The Curve might go back to France for the Vermeille next. She's come out of the Romanet well and we're happy with her."