Shadwell’s Alfuraira (GB) (Dark Angel (Ireland)-Aduwa (GB), sire Oasis Dream (GB)) ran a career-best time in last season’s G2 Sky Bet York Stakes before narrowly missing the podium behind Auguste Rodin (Ireland) (Deep Impact (Jp)) in September’s G1 Irish Champion Stakes and last month’s G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, before securing back-to-back wins in a strategic race at Knabsmire Racecourse on his season return and being highly tested.
The Owen Burrows-trained horse used a patient strategy, maintaining a firm lead behind three rivals in the early stages before King’s Gambit (Ireland) (Saxon Warrior (Jpn)) slowly built up the lead. Having moved into third place at the top of the straight, the 9-4 co-favorite continued to make progress under pressure, was caught out in the final quarter mile and edged the long-time leader by half a length as he approached the finish. The 10 1/4 furlong heat turned into a four-furlong sprint where fellow 9-4 co-favorite Passenger (Ireland) (Ulysses (Ireland)) was unable to make a decisive blow and finished third by 3/4 of a length, losing by half a length to Royal Lyme (Ireland) (Lope de Vega (Ireland)).
“He’s an absolute star and would have benefited from a faster pace, but so did every horse that ran in that race,” Burrows said. “Two furlongs in I thought he was going to win and one furlong in I thought he might be second, but he came on strong straight away. He’s a very aggressive, very honest horse.” [taking closer order] The corner kick would have been the deciding factor. If he had kicked where he was sitting, [at the back] I don’t think he would have been able to get there and it was a great move by Jim. [Crowley]The trainer added that he would “need to speak to Sheikha Hissa” about the future. [about the G1 Juddmonte International]”But he obviously likes it here. This is his third time winning here, so it’s a good fit for him. We’ll hear everyone’s opinions and then we’ll come up with a plan.”
Alan Cooper, the Niarchos family’s racing manager, subsequently reported that Passenger had suffered a condylar fracture of the left foreleg.
“Unfortunately the horse broke his femur but was pulled safely after the finish by Richard Kingscote,” Cooper told the PA news agency.
“He’s on his way home and will be seen by a vet. He is stable and will receive treatment. The fractures are not displaced so hopefully all will be OK.”
Al-Furaira fought tenaciously in the closing stages to win Group 2. Sky Bet He won the York Stakes for the second year in a row. Jim Crowley for Follow ✅ pic.twitter.com/kmnfpbeS2P
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) July 27, 2024
Pedigree Notes
Alfuraira is one of 62 winners by her sire and one of three winners out of Montrose Fillies Stakes runner-up Adawar (GB) (Oasis Dream (GB)). Adawar’s dam, Cheshire Oaks winner Hamiya (IRE) (Darshaan (GB)), also produced Nereid Rennen winner Shakira (GB) (Redouz Choice (AU)) and was the leading performer of Prix Herod winner Albacora (IRE) (Fairy King), who is herself a half-sister to G3 Prix St. Georges winner and G1 Poule des Saids des Pouliches runner-up Pont-Aven (IRE) (Try My Best). Pont-Aven Racecourse has produced four black-type winners, including two-time G2 Prix Groschenes winner Sainte Marine (IRE) (Kenmare, FR), G2 Gymcrack Stakes-winning sire Josl al-Gharfod (IRE) (Darshaan, UK), and stakes race winners Traumat (IRE) (Baracia, IRE) and Cap Coz (IRE) (Indian Ridge, IRE).
Saturday, York, England
Sky Bet York Stakes – G2, £135,000, York, 7-27, 3 years and older, 10f 56yT, 2:20.36, g/f.
1–ALFLAILA (GB), 134, h, 5, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st place dam: Adhwaa (GB) (SP-Eng), written by Oasis Dream (GB)
2nd Dam: Hamiya (Ire), Darshaan (UK)
Third generation mares: Albacora (Ireland), Fairy King
O/B-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd (GB); T-Owen Burrows; J-Jim Crowley. £76,559. Lifetime Record: 16-7-3-0, $532,227. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click here for the eNicks report and 5-breeding pedigree or a free Equineline.com catalogue style pedigree.
2 – King’s Gambit (Ireland), 125, c, 3, Saxon Warrior (Japan) – Pure Symmetry, by Storm Cat. (125,000gns Ylg ’22 TATOCT). O – Mohammed Jabel, B – Round Hill Stud (Ireland), T – Harry Charlton. £29,025.
3-Passenger, 137, c, 4, Ulysses (Ireland) – Dilmun, built by Warfront Co. O-Flaxman Stables Ireland Co. B-Flaxman Holdings Co. (Kentucky), T-Sir Michael Stout. £14,526.
Margins: HF, 3/4, HF. Odds: 2.25, 2.50, 2.25.
Also performed: Royal Rhyme (Ire). Deleted: Ancient Rome.
