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| Staff Writer |
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After an impressive showing in Dubai this winter, Algiers has caught the attention of English trainers Ed and Simon Crisford. They believe that this talented horse, who has won multiple group stakes races, should be given a chance to compete in the prestigious Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic. However, before making the journey to California, Algiers will have to prove himself in New York. He is set to participate in the Gr.2 Woodward race, covering a distance of nine furlongs at Belmont.
The Hamdan Sultan Ali Alsabousi and Rabbah Bloodstock-owned colt has not raced since his commendable second-place finish in the Dubai World Cup in March at Meydan Racecourse. On that occasion, he finished just 2 3/4 lengths behind the Japanese invader, Ushba Tesoro. Prior to that, the 6YO Shamardal gelding showcased his dominance by in the one-mile Gr.2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1, by an impressive 6 1/2 lengths.
He then stretched out to 1 3/16 miles for the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, winning once again by a comfortable six lengths.
“Obviously, he ran a super race in the Dubai World Cup but there’s nothing really for him here in England. We wanted to keep him on dirt because he seems so effective on it,” said Ed Crisford. “He had a hard campaign last winter. He started racing around this time last year and went all the way through to April, so we gave him a nice summer holiday and aimed him for the Breeders’ Cup. He needs a prep run for the Breeders’ Cup.”
Crisford noted that Algiers will have to prove his Dubai success can translate stateside.
“It is a fact finding mission. We want to see if he can handle the American dirt because it is different than Meydan. I do think the New York tracks are more similar to Meydan than some of the other tracks,” Crisford said. “We want to see what he can do against top American dirt horses. If he goes well, wins or runs very well, we can justify going to the Breeders’ Cup. If not, we’ll probably just take him back to Dubai. It all depends on what happens on the weekend.”
Triumphant Victory In The Jebel Ali Mile
Algiers, a talented racehorse, began his career under the guidance of trainer Andre Fabre. After a successful three-year campaign in France, where he achieved three victories on the grass, he was transferred to the Crisford team. Making his debut for Crisford at Jebel Ali Racecourse in January, Algiers showcased his potential by finishing second over a distance of 1 3/16 miles. He followed up this performance by triumphing in the Jebel Ali Mile in February.
However, Algiers faced a setback in March when he raced on dirt in the Godolphin Mile and finished a distant eighth, failing to make an impact. Following a well-deserved summer break, Algiers returned to the turf in October for a 1 5/16-mile handicap event at York, where he emerged victorious. In the subsequent James Seymour race at Newmarket, over a distance of 10 furlongs, Algiers could only manage a distant sixth-place finish.
Nonetheless, Algiers displayed his resilience by narrowly missing out on a win in the Churchill race, held on the all-weather surface at Lingfield, to conclude his 2022 campaign. Despite not capturing first place, Algiers exhibited his determination and ability to perform on various racing surfaces. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await his future endeavours and hope to witness his continued success in the upcoming seasons.
“We took him out to Dubai after he came to us from France, where he’d been running on turf. He started to go really well on the dirt, covering the ground super well,” Crisford said. “We ran him in a Group 3 at Jebel Ali and he won. So, we figured he took to the surface really well. We ran him on Dubai World Cup night and he ran OK. After that we brought him back to England, gelded him, gave him the summer off and got him on turf again.
“We ran him on the all-weather and he put up some good figures in that race,” Crisford continued. “When he went back to Meydan, he improved almost 10-15 pounds for running on that dirt, he was just a different animal. The year before training on the dirt, he really knew what he was doing. He’s such a natural. He’s got such a high cruising speed and he can quicken off the strong pace. That’s what you need for dirt and he’s a natural at it.”
Although neither of the Crisford family members will be present for the journey to New York, Algiers, the horse who is expected to arrive today, will be accompanied and managed by the traveling assistant, Les Reynolds.
Algiers, who was bred in Ireland under the supervision of Godolphin, has an impressive lineage. His dam, Antara, is a renowned mare who achieved success in both Germany and England, winning group-stakes races. Additionally, she achieved a notable placement in Group One races in England, France, and Italy.
With a racing record of 21 starts, Algiers has proved to be a formidable competitor. He has secured victory in seven races, while also finishing in the top positions in six races and placing second in two. Algiers has accumulated an impressive sum of US$3,026,934 in career earnings.