Al Riffa could pave the way for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when he heads to Germany for the Westminster 134th Grosser Preis von Berlin on Sunday.
Despite not tasting victory since landing the Group One National Stakes as a two-year-old, Joseph O’Brien’s son of Wootton Bassett has been a regular in elite company and showcased his talent when a gallant second to City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse last month.
He will now try a mile and a half for the first time at Hoppegarten, with connections eyeing a shot at Europe’s richest middle-distance prize in early October.
A bold showing at Hoppegarten could ignite Parisian dreams for the Al Riffa team, with the mid-summer visit to the German capital possibly the only stop en route to ParisLongchamp in the autumn.
“It’s the plan (to go to Germany) and he’s been in good shape since the Eclipse,” said O’Brien.
“It will be his first try at a mile and a half but we think that will suit him and he’s been given a nice draw. It would be great if he could be competitive in another Group One.
“I think we’re taking it race-by-race but potentially he could roll straight into the Arc from here.”
More from Sporting Life
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
