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Horse Racing News: Al Riffa Sets Sights on Grosser Preis von Berlin Ahead of Potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Tilt
Al Riffa, the talented son of Wootton Bassett trained by Joseph O’Brien, could pave the way for a tilt at the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when he heads to Germany for the 134th edition of the Grosser Preis von Berlin this Sunday.
Despite not tasting victory since landing the Group One National Stakes as a two-year-old, the consistent Al Riffa has been a regular fixture in elite company. He showcased his talent when finishing a gallant second to City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse last month.
Now, the connections of Al Riffa are hoping that the step up to a mile and a half at Hoppegarten will suit the colt, with the mid-summer visit to the German capital potentially serving as the only stop on the way to the ParisLongchamp showpiece in early October.
“It’s the plan (to go to Germany) and he’s been in good shape since the Eclipse,” said trainer Joseph 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.”
O’Brien suggested that the team is taking it race-by-race, but the potential exists for Al Riffa to progress directly from the Grosser Preis von Berlin to a tilt at Europe’s richest middle-distance prize, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
“I think we’re taking it race-by-race but potentially he could roll straight into the Arc from here,” the trainer concluded.
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