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| Staff Writer |
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Alyanaabi's connections are sticking to their guns and will give the colt another chance at the mile distance, following his respectable fifth-place finish in the 2000 Guineas. The son of Too Darn Hot, who won the Tattersalls Stakes and finished second to City Of Troy in the Dewhurst on the Rowley Mile at two, was sent off as a 11/1 chance in the Newmarket Classic under Jim Crowley.
Alyanaabi was beaten just under five lengths by the impressive winner, Notable Speech. After his impressive performance, Alyanaabi's team initially considered stepping up in trip, but jockey Jim Crowley has convinced them to have another go at the mile. Crowley, who rode Alyanaabi in the 2000 Guineas, believes that the colt can quicken more effectively with better cover.
Alyanaabi holds an entry for the Irish 2000 Guineas later this month, but Royal Ascot appears more likely for the talented Shadwell-owned colt. Racing manager Angus Gold said that while another Classic attempt hasn't been ruled out, they're more likely to try Alyanaabi again at a mile.
"I thought it was a very good run, and if anything, the race slightly got away from him on the far side," said Angus Gold, Shadwell's racing manager.
"It didn't make the difference between winning or losing, but it might have made it a bit easier for him to get involved. The first two or three quickened better than him, so we toyed with the idea of going up in trip, but Jim felt he has the speed for a mile, and if we just ride him with a bit more cover next time, that is how quickened when he won his Group race last year—quickening from behind. We'll try him once more at a mile and see how we get on."
"Ireland is a possibility, but if I were a betting man, I would say it is more likely we will wait for Ascot.It may be that he isn't good enough, but we would like to give it another go and see where we are, and if we have to go up in trip afterwards, so be it."