ALCOHOL FREE will add some welcomed fizz to Wednesday’s huge Juddmonte International at York.
Andrew Balding’s star filly has been given the green light to take on St Mark’s Basilica and Mishriff in the £1 million Group 1.
After stuffing the boys in the Sussex Stakes, Alcohol Free will step up to ten furlongs for the first time.
She’s currently third favourite behind the two mentioned big guns from Aidan O’Brien and team Gosden.
But connections are happy to take their chance admitting they have little to lose if she does get turned over on the Knavesmire.
Balding confirmed: “She’s in great form at home so why not run?
“If she doesn’t stay, so what? We have nothing to lose. She’s already won three Group 1s.
“Jeff is a very sporting owner, he doesn’t shy away from a challenge and has been keen on it anyway.”
After finishing fifth in the 1000 Guineas, Alcohol Free triumphed at Royal Ascot before winning the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
And with her handler sitting pretty at the top of the trainers’ championship, it is set to be an important week for the Kingsclere team.
They look set to head to York in good form after juvenile Masekela got the better of Bayside Boy in a thrilling Denford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.
The two-year-old was ridden by Will Buick with Oisin Murphy enjoying a rare Saturday off to take part in a showjumping competition.
Connections have an eye on the Royal Lodge over a mile at Newmarket for Masekela.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
