Alenquer to Contest York's Juddmonte International

Alenquer , winner of the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot and the favorite for the Aug. 19 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2), will instead contest the Juddmonte International (G1) Aug. 18 at York Racecourse.

Trained by William Haggas, who will also saddle Mohaafeth  in the Juddmonte International, Alenquer followed up his Royal Ascot success with a third behind Hurricane Lane  in the Grand Prix de Paris (G1).

The 3-year-old had been the 4-1 favorite for the Great Voltigeur, but Armando Duarte, racing manager for owners MM Stables, said: "The plan is to run Alenquer in the Juddmonte International. We had originally considered the Great Voltigeur, but as we have decided against running him in the St. Leger (G1), there seemed little point.

"It's a tough race, going back in trip, but we're very happy with him and he deserves to take his chance."

Alenquer and Mohaafeth were among nine horses confirmed Aug. 12 for the Juddmonte International, the highlight of day one of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor festival, alongside the likes of Mishriff , Mac Swiney , St Mark's Basilica , and Alcohol Free .

Mohaafeth finished third in the Sky Bet York Stakes (G2) last time out, having landed the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) at Royal Ascot the time before, and connections are keen to try him at the top level.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to owner Shadwell Estates, said on Thursday: "Mohaafeth worked nicely this morning on the Al Bahathri Polytrack and the plan is to run him in the Juddmonte International. He's not tested his ability at group 1 level yet but we're keen to have a crack at it, and hopefully the rain stays away as he needs it quick.

"Obviously it looks a tough race with St Mark's Basilica in there, who has already won a Two Thousand Guineas and a Derby in France, and the Coral Eclipse Stakes (G1), and this will tell us whether our horse is a group 1 horse or not." 

In the Great Voltigeur, Aidan O'Brien has four of the nine horses remaining, including High Definition and Sir Lamorak.

One Ballydoyle contender set to bypass an upcoming top-level target is Prix Rothschild (G1) heroine Mother Earth , with O'Brien signalling she is likely to sidestep the Aug. 15 Prix Jacques le Marois (G1).

"We were thinking about running her but she probably won't go there," said her trainer after ten runners stood their ground on Thursday for the Deauville group 1.

"It's just coming up a little bit too quick for her so we'll probably give her a bit more time."

O'Brien added: "Order Of Australia  is likely to run. Ryan (Moore) should be back from America to ride him on Sunday."