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| Staff Writer |
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Alflaila is heading into uncharted territory as Owen Burrows' stable star prepares for his first attempt at a mile and a half in Saturday's HH The Amir Trophy in Qatar.
The Shadwell-owned 6YO, a dual winner of the Gr.2 York Stakes, is ready to tackle the extended trip after landing in Doha at the weekend. His trainer reports positive feedback from the travelling team as they gear up for this valuable prize.
"Alflaila is out there now, he travelled over at the weekend and my boys are very happy with him," said Burrows.
"We're stepping him up to a mile and a half, which will be the furthest he has ever been, but to be honest, he looks as if he wants that now, as he's a bit more of a grinder these days."
The Dark Angel entire faces stiff competition from defending champion Rebel's Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby, who has continued to progress since last year's victory. Harry Charlton's King's Gambit provides additional British interest, though Alflaila holds the upper hand from their York encounter.
"Charlie's horse will be very hard to beat but there's King's Gambit in there and we've got a form line through him from York," Burrows noted.
The seven-time winner, whose CV includes creditable performances in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes and Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, concluded his 2024 campaign with a fourth in the Bahrain International Trophy.
Future plans remain fluid, with Dubai's Gr.1 Sheema Classic a potential target should he excel over the new distance. "If he did happen to run well, then we could go there. I'm sure it will be very competitive, a stronger race, but who knows?" said Burrows.
"How he goes at the weekend will determine what we do next with him and what we do back over here throughout the turf season."