Irish-based Alamshar, ranked number one on the World Thoroughbred Rankings list in the Turf division, is scheduled to run in the $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International, set for Woodbine on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Trainer John Oxx, who trains the dual group I winner for the Aga Khan, told the Racing Post the only way the 3-year-old would not compete in the International is if stablemate Dalakhani is forced to miss the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) this weekend in France. "Our plan is to (run Alamshar) in Canada," said Oxx. "It would be his last race of the year."
Dalakhani is the early 5-2 favourite for the "Arc," France's internationally renowned 1 1/2-mile horse race, which will be simulcast to many North American locations on Sunday morning. Post time for the Arc is 11:30 a.m.
The Arc and the Pattison Canadian International, also at 1 1/2 miles, are key legs in the World Series Racing Championship.
Alamshar, a bay son of Key Of Luck, has never been worse than fourth in eight career starts with group I wins in the Irish Derby (Ire-I) at the Curragh and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Eng-I) at Ascot.
The Aga Khan silk-bearer looks to become the fourth consecutive European-based horse to capture Woodbine's richest race, joining Mutafaweq (2000), Mutamam (2001) and Ballingarry (2002) in the streak.
The post-position draw for the race will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Woodbine.
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