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Alcohol Free 60:40 to challenge St Mark's Basilica in Juddmonte International

Alcohol Free and Oisin Murphy are clear in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes
Sussex Stakes winner could have her next start in the Juddmonte InternationalCredit: Edward Whitaker

Star miler Alcohol Free is more likely than not to go up in distance and take on St Mark's Basilica in next week's Juddmonte International – although connections have also yet to rule out moving back in trip for Haydock's Betfair Sprint Cup.

Having this year already landed the Coronation Stakes, Alcohol Free proved more than capable of trumping top-class colts when comprehensively defeating Poetic Flare in the Qatar Sussex Stakes.

Speaking straight after the Goodwood showdown, owner Jeff Smith expressed enthusiasm for a tilt at the International over an extended mile and a quarter.

That competitive desire still burns bright, meaning the filly – quoted between 10-1 and 14-1 – could give trainer Andrew Balding the chance to extend his trainers' championship lead in the £1,000,000 Ebor festival showpiece, for which St Mark's Basilica is marginally odds-on with most firms.

Alcohol Free and Oisin Murphy go clear in the Sussex Stakes
Alcohol Free and Oisin Murphy go clear in the Sussex StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"I think it's probable we'll go to York," said Smith. "We'll confirm her at the six-day stage on Thursday, discuss it and then make a decision, but I think it's 60:40 in favour of her running.

"Based on the way she was going at the end of her races at Goodwood and Ascot, I really do think she can defy her pedigree. Those runs certainly give us every hope, plus she should get cover around the two bends at York. However, if we run her and it's obvious she isn't getting the trip, we won't abuse her.

"It's a wonderful problem to have, but I must say York is very tempting. The biggest reason to run in the International is there is absolutely nothing to lose. She has won three Group 1s, and if she doesn't stay the distance at York, she doesn't stay.

"We need to consider other options and assess the race's likely strength in depth, but if she could beat St Mark's Basilica, it really would be quite something."

Confirming the Sprint Cup has not been ruled out, Smith added: "It's also an option because she is so quick. She would have given them a race in the July Cup. One of the main reasons we didn't go that route is in a big field on the July course you can be the best and still not win if you're unlucky with the draw. Basically, we're dithering!"

Alcohol Free -Oisin Murphy winners lead in Oisin gives Jeff Smith a hugThe Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Goodwood  28.7.21©mark cranhamphoto.com
Jeff Smith and Oisin Murphy embrace after Alcohol Free's Goodwood successCredit: Mark Cranham

A decision has also to be made about a next target for Alcohol Free's stablemate Tribal Craft, a York Group 3 winner who would be 4lb ahead of the handicapper in the Sky Bet Ebor having chased home Wonderful Tonight at Goodwood.

Smith, who stressed fast ground would likely stop Tribal Craft heading to the Knavesmire, said: "We are minded to run in the Ebor, although the Lonsdale Cup could be interesting depending on who pitches up.

"The style of the Ebor could suit her very well as they go a great gallop and she loves to come from well off the pace. If both she and Alcohol Free could win it would be quite a double!"


Read more:

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No jet lag for Foley as Ebro River lands first juvenile Group 1 of the season

Talks under way on rescheduling of cancelled Haydock fixture


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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 9 August 2021inNews

Last updated 00:03, 11 August 2021

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