Albahr overcame a slow start to charge past his rivals in the stretch to win the G1 Summer Stakes by two-and-a-quarter lengths at Woodbine Race Course 19 September.
The victory by the two-year-old Dubawi gelding capped off a tremendous weekend in North America not just for his sire, but also for owner Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby. Not only were they represented by Albahr, but also by fellow juvenile Wild Beauty (by Frankel), who took the G1 Natalma Stakes for fillies earlier on the card. On Saturday, Walton Street (Cape Cross) captured the G1 Canadian International at Woodbine, while Yibir (also by Dubawi) took the $1-million Jockey Club Derby Invitational at Belmont Park.
Albahr clinched a ‘Win and You’re In’ berth to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar, since his Summer Stakes victory is part of that series sponsored by the Breeders’ Cup.
Albahr, like his stablemate Wild Beauty, broke a step slowly under jockey Frankie Dettori and was near the rear of the field through the early stages of the race. Dettori moved his mount forward through the far turn, and the duo was ready to strike by the top of the stretch. Fellow Godolphin runner Degree of Risk moved out and bumped Albahr, but the gelding shook off that rival and drove home to a commanding win.
Bred in Great Britain by Godolphin, Albahr is out of the Street Cry mare, Falls of Lora, winner of the G3 UAE Oaks. In addition to Albahr, Falls of Lora has produced Cascadian (New Approach), winner of the G1 Doncaster Mile. Second dam Firth of Lorne was placed in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and has produced such standouts as Classic-placed/G2 Superlative Stakes winner Master of the Seas (Dubawi).
Dubawi has now sired a world leading 28 individual Stakes winners in 2021. They include 17 Group winners including Lord North, D’Bai, Glorious Journey, Kemari and Space Blues.
