Al Kazeem’s owner-breeder John Deer feels his horse’s proven ability over a mile and a quarter can be the difference in his clash with Toronado in Wednesday’s Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Richard Hannon made the announcement just before declaration time that Toronado would be involved in what is suddenly a far more competitive Group One event on the Knavesmire.
It will be a first attempt beyond a mile for Hannon’s High Chaparral colt, who finally avenged two defeats by Dawn Approach when mastering the chestnut in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Al Kazeem, trained by Roger Charlton, is around an even-money favourite as he tries to extend his four-race unbeaten streak.
After his first Group One triumph over Camelot in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, he was the unequivocal highlight of jockey James Doyle’s Royal Ascot treble in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and cemented his position at the top of the European pecking order in the Coral-Eclipse.
Al Kazeem will have to compete without the on-course support of the man who has played the most important role in his life. Deer, who bred the son of Dubawi from his Oakgrove Stud in Chepstow, is required on a family holiday in Normandy.
“Unfortunately we booked it a long time ago, so I’m going to have to watch it on the laptop,” he said.
“It’s going to be an interesting race. I know Roger’s very happy with him, he has come back from his break and he did a nice piece of work last week which James was happy with.
“Our fellow has solid form over a mile and a quarter and the course should suit him, so hopefully James should be able to wind him up for the last couple of furlongs.
“Toronado will be going into unknown territory then, and hopefully we can come out on top.
“We were hoping for a bit of rain so there was some give in the ground, but he does have form on good to firm anyway.”
