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| Sumita Pawar |
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Alflaila, after being off the track for 294 days, made a powerful comeback and won the Gr.2 York Stakes.
After being missing since October, the 4YO colt made a comeback by winning two Gr.3s the Strensall and Darley Stakes, in the autumn with a late run.
Alflaila's Incredible Comeback Steals The Show
In the early stages of the race, Alflaila positioned himself towards the back while Mashoor, an Irish raider, led the field. However, Alflaila made impressive progress as the field spread out across the Knavesmire.
He showed determination to hold off the late challenge from the favorite, My Prospero, who had odds of evens. At the finish line, there was only a half-length difference between the two, with the second-place horse failing to perform as expected after coming in fourth in the Lockinge and Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Royal Champion, the winner of the Wolferton Stakes, initially had a promising run in the straight but eventually lost momentum and finished in third place.
Owen Burrows had a successful day, winning the King George with Hukum at Ascot. Andrea Atzeni also had good news, as he announced his decision to continue his riding career in Hong Kong.
Paddy Power reduced Alflaila's odds for Juddmonte International at the Ebor meeting next month, now at 25-1 instead of 40-1.
The upcoming race could be important for Shadwell, the owner of Alflaila. Shadwell, led by Sheikha Hissa, already has the favorite Mostahdaf at 100-30 odds and the recent Gr.1 winner Anmaat.