Trainer Owen Burrows is aiming to extend his stable's recent success with Alflaila in the Bahrain International Trophy next Friday. Following a quieter start to the year, Burrows enjoyed a stellar autumn, with Anmaat taking the Champion Stakes, Nakheel winning the Park Hill, and Raqiya scoring at Del Mar on the Breeders’ Cup undercard.
Alflaila, who has been off the track since an uncharacteristic performance in August’s Juddmonte International, is set to ship out for Bahrain, having missed last year’s race due to an injury. "Jim Crowley rode him this week and was very pleased," Burrows noted. "York was just an off-day—he missed the break and never got involved, but he's showing all the right signs at home."
If Alflaila can replicate his Group Two-winning form at York or his strong showing at Royal Ascot, Burrows believes he’s a top contender for the £1 million prize in Bahrain. "We’re excited for the chance, and it’s a high-calibre race this year with some quality competition," said Burrows.