Albahr’s Summer Score Completes Connections’ Juvenile Stakes Sweep

TORONTO, ON – Godolphin homebred Albahr’s score in Sunday’s $400,000 Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine gave owner/breeder Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby, and jockey Frankie Dettori a clean sweep of the weekend’s juvenile stakes. They also teamed up to win the Natalma Stakes (G1) a race prior.

The Summer is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with Albahr receiving an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar this November.

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Like Wild Beauty in the Natalma, Albahr found himself at the rear early after he broke a step slow from post 4 under Dettori as the 3/5 odds-on top choice.

First Empire, undefeated in 2 prior starts over this course while displaying front-running tactics, went to the lead as expected but was initially rank and difficult to settle while posting fractions of :23.95 and :47.93.

After advancing inside rivals while rounding the far turn, Dettori tipped Albahr out four-wide at the top of the stretch and sent the betting favorite to the front.

Taking the lead with a furlong to go, Albahr pulled away late before winning the one-turn good outer turf mile by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:35.77.

“That’s really what it’s all about, winning these big races around the world,” said assistant trainer Alex Merriam. “So just like him, it’s for Charlie and all the team. It’s been a great effort.”

Maiden runner Grafton Street rallied late for second by 1 1/2 lengths over Degree of Risk, while First Empire held off Dripping Gold for fourth by a nose.

Ready for the Lady, Luckman, Heat Merchant, and Souper Legacy completed the order of finish in the field of 2-year-old males.

Albahr’s win was his fourth straight in 5 career starts including a 3/4-length victory in the 1-mile Irish Champions EBF Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury last time out. The Dubawi gelding, third in his career debut, has now earned $235,181.

Albahr returned $3.30 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.50 to show. Grafton Street brought back $6.10 to place and $5.80 to show. Degree of Risk paid $4.80 to show.