Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal), runner-up in the G1 Dubai World Cup last March, will contest the GI Breeders' Cup Mile rather than the 10-furlong GI Classic, according to the gelding's connections.
“He just looked very effective over a mile and a mile-and-one at Meydan and he has a lot of speed,” explained Ed Crisford.
“I'm not saying he doesn't stay the 10 furlongs, it's just that we felt at Santa Anita a mile may play to his strengths more.”
An impressive winner going a mile in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 in January, the 6-year-old stretched out successfully to take Meydan's main World Cup prep in February before finishing runner-up in the 1 1/4-mile marquee test for route horses. Given time off following that effort, he returned to be second in the 8 1/2-furlong GIII Durham Cup over Woodbine's Tapeta surface Oct. 7.
Having bounced out of his North American debut, the Rabbah Bloodstock-owned runner will have one final piece of work before departing for California.
“It was like a racecourse gallop to be honest, but he has come out of it super well,” reflected Crisford. “He's had that run now and has come out of it fresh and well and looks great. He is going to have a good gallop under James Doyle before he leaves and hopefully, that will be him set for the race next weekend.
“James knows him and what he can do and what is under the bonnet. He rides the American tracks really well and it should be perfect.”
According to Crisford, G2 Rockfel S. winner Carla's Way (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will accompany Algiers on the trip Stateside. The juvenile filly is expected to start in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
“She is in good form and won well at Newmarket,” added Crisford. “She can quicken off a quick pace which is what you need in America and that track should suit her well, a two-turn mile on quick ground.”
“We opted not to go for the Fillies' Mile because that mile at Newmarket on soft ground wouldn't really be for her, but she's got a lot of ability and is progressing with each run and looks like a filly who could be a lot of fun for the future.”
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