Alakazi
Noted here after his run in the Tetrarch Stakes last time, Alakazi is worthy of another mention after the performance that he put up in finishing second to Skukuza in the Listed Celebration Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday. The pace was holding up well at The Curragh all weekend, and Ryan Moore went forward from early on Skukuza. Alakazi is still inexperienced and he can be keen in his races, so Ben Coen settled him further back in the field. Seventh of the eight runners as they rounded the home turn and as Skukuza kicked for home in front, Alakazi had to come widest of all in order to deliver his challenge and, while he couldn't get to the winner, he stayed on well to take second place in front of Currawood.
This was another step forward by Johnny Murtagh's horse. Skukuza is a seriously progressive individual who was impressive in winning a handicap over Sunday's course and distance on Irish Guineas weekend, and who is almost certainly a Group race horse in-waiting, while Currawood is a talented horse, fully deserving of his rating of 107. Alakazi was the only horse who was able to get close from back in the field. He was fastest of all through each of the last three furlongs. The handicapper raised him by 10lb for this run to a mark of 108, and he is shaping up like a Group race horse too. He has raced just four times, so there could be a fair bit more to come. He is obviously effective over a mile, but his dam's half-sister Alashar stayed 10 furlongs, and he shaped here as if he would improve for a step up in trip to nine or 10 furlongs, but he will be of interest again wherever he goes next.
The Curragh, 29th June 2025
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