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| Staff Writer |
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Kevin Philippart De Foy is plotting a return to Dubai for his stable star Vafortino following a gutsy performance in York's Gr.2 City of York Stakes. The 6YO gelding, narrowly denied by Breege in the seven-furlong contest, is set to have one more European outing before jetting off to sunnier climes.
Vafortino's runner-up spot at York has his Belgian-born handler beaming with pride. "We were delighted with his run at York, especially as I always think he's better in slightly slower conditions," De Foy enthused. "It was nearly a career-best from the horse, he kept finding, he is very tough and he took well to the step up in grade."
The son of Zoffany is no stranger to Dubai's glittering carnival, having tasted success there last winter. Vafortino's Middle Eastern exploits included a Listed triumph and a close second in the Gr.2 Al Fahidi Fort, where he was beaten just a length by Godolphin's Mysterious Night.
De Foy is keen to build on that foundation, saying, "He will have one more run this season in England and then we will freshen him up for Dubai. He hasn't had too busy a campaign in England with Dubai in mind, he did well last year so the plan is to go back over there."
Before embarking on his desert adventure, Vafortino has unfinished business in Europe. De Foy is weighing up his options, with the Group One Prix de la Forêt at ParisLongchamp and the Group Two Park Stakes at Doncaster both under consideration.
"We know the horse well enough now and we know we need to space his races, we are very pleased with him," De Foy explained. "He will either go for the Prix de la Forêt and he's entered in the Park Stakes, I think we will decide when we get a bit closer."
The Prix de la Forêt, run over seven furlongs, has a storied history. Previous winners include the legendary Goldikova, who took the prize in 2010 before going on to complete a historic Breeders' Cup Mile hat-trick. More recently, One Master dominated the race with three consecutive victories from 2018 to 2020.
As for the Park Stakes, it has been a launching pad for sprinting stars. The 2019 winner Wichita went on to finish second in the following year's 2000 Guineas, while 2021 victor Kinross has since added multiple Group One successes to his CV.
Whichever path De Foy chooses for Vafortino's European farewell, all roads lead to Meydan. With prize money for the 2024 Dubai World Cup Carnival expected to exceed US$7.5 million, the Belgian trainer will be hoping his globetrotting gelding can grab a sizeable slice of the Middle Eastern pie.