Albahr continues winning run in G1 Summer Stakes

Albahr completed a sensational G1 treble for Godolphin in the space of 24 hours at Woodbine, Canada, with a clear-cut success in the Summer Stakes on Sunday, 19 September.

The son of Dubawi was following up the victory of Wild Beauty in the G1 Natalma Stakes earlier on the card, with Walton Street triumphing in the G1 Canadian International a day earlier. All three Charlie Appleby-trained horses were ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Albahr, who headed to Canada on the back of three consecutive wins in the UK, broke half a stride slow and raced towards the rear of the nine runners before moving up to sixth halfway down the back straight.

He was pushed along turning in and switched wide in the straight as Godolphin’s other runner in the mile contest, Degree Of Risk, quickened well to dispute the running a furlong and a half from home.

Albahr joined Degree Of Risk and First Empire in front soon after, with the Newmarket raider asserting passing the furlong-pole before going on for a two and a quarter-length success.

Degree Of Risk wandered around in the final furlong and the Eoin Harty-trained colt was passed by Grafton Street close home to finish third.

Albahr’s win was a 350th G1 victory for Godolphin, while he also received a guaranteed place in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on Friday, 5 November.

Alex Merriam of Godolphin said: “Albahr has done it nicely and it was a very similar race to Wild Beauty in the Natalma Stakes. They have gone hard up front and Frankie has given the horse a great ride. He said he got a good trip, kicked on turning in and put good distance between them, so it was impressive.

“We came over hoping all three horses would be competitive and they have shown that. The track here and the way the races are run have suited, so it has worked out well.

“Wild Beauty will go to Del Mar and this race was a “Win and You’re In”, so Albahr has every reason to go to the Breeders’ Cup as well. The way he has run today, you would like to think he would go there with half a chance.”