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| Staff Writer |
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Owen Burrows is hoping his string's recent upturn in form will continue as he prepares to saddle Alflaila in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International at York on August 21. The Lambourn handler is set to take on some of the season's standout performers, including Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy and Royal Ascot victor Calandagan.
Burrows' yard has been firing on all cylinders of late, with four of his last six runners greeting the judge. The trainer enjoyed a memorable double on August 10, as Anmaat made a triumphant return from a 439-day absence to land the Gr.3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock for the second time, while Jarraaf scorched to victory in the Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot.
"It's been an up-and-down season so far, but just the last couple of weeks they've been running well, thankfully," said Burrows. "I've been happy with them at home the whole time and I can't tell you why they've suddenly turned the corner, to be honest."
Burrows has enjoyed considerable success in the Middle East in recent years, particularly with Shadwell-owned horses. His biggest triumph came in 2022 when Anmaat landed the prestigious Group One Jebel Hatta at Meydan. The trainer has also saddled multiple winners at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, cementing his reputation as a skilled international campaigner.
The Shadwell operation, for whom Burrows trains, has been enjoying a stellar 2024 campaign. Their blue and white silks have been carried to victory in several high-profile contests, including Group One successes in France and Ireland. This resurgence has seen Shadwell re-establish itself as a major force in European racing following the passing of its founder, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, in 2021.
Looking ahead to the Ebor meeting, Burrows is set to field a select team on the Knavesmire. Alflaila, who boasts an impressive record of three wins from four starts at York, will spearhead the trainer's assault in the Juddmonte International.
"It will be nice to get Alflaila back to York," said Burrows. "It's a strong race but he does like it around there and, if things panned out well, he could run a nice race. We know he has to improve a little bit but I'd like to think he's at his peak now."
The trainer is also considering running Deira Mile in the Gr.2 Great Voltigeur Stakes, while Alyanaabi could contest the Gr.3 Strensall Stakes.
"I'm aiming Deira Mile at the Voltigeur but, if the ground is a bit quick, I wouldn't risk him because I feel the St Leger, with a bit of juice in the ground, is his race," Burrows explained.
"Alyanaabi might go for the Strensall, which I feel could just suit him. Newbury was a non-event last time and I'm pleased with him. He might be in a similar mould to Alflaila, who won it two years ago."
As Burrows puts the finishing touches to his York team, he'll be hoping his recent run of form continues on the biggest stage. With Alflaila flying the flag in the meeting's centrepiece, the Lambourn handler could be on the verge of his most significant success to date.