From Godolphin.....
IFFRAAJ SEEKS SECOND GNER PARK STAKES TRIUMPH
İBill Selwyn
Iffraaj bids to follow his excellent victory in the Group Two Betfair Cup at Goodwood in August with a repeat win in the £100,000 Group Two GNER Park Stakes at York on Saturday, September 9.
The Saeed bin Suroor-trained five-year-old took the 2005 running of the seven-furlong contest by a short-head from Sleeping Indian, with subsequent dual Group One winner Court Masterpiece a three lengths away in third.
That renewal took place at Doncaster, but with the South Yorkshire course undergoing redevelopment Iffraaj will attempt to defend his crown at York, the scene of his famous success in last season's Wokingham Handicap over six furlongs.
The Godolphin horse has progressed with each start this term and finished with a flourish when the head runner-up to Les Arcs in the Group One Darley July Cup over six furlongs at Newmarket on July 14, before storming to a four-length triumph over Jedburgh in the Betfair Cup over a furlong further.
Frankie Dettori has partnered Iffraaj in all three starts this season and is again in the saddle as the combination takes on eight high-class rivals including Stan James 1,000 Guineas heroine Speciosa, Group One winner Somnus, Group One Betfred Sprint Cup runner-up Quito and the progressive Sir Michael Stoute-trained filly Wasseema, who is seeking a four-timer.
Saeed bin Suroor, the Godolphin trainer, said: "Iffraaj won very well at Glorious Goodwood and is in good form.
"He goes into the race in top shape and I'm very happy with him. We're looking for some good ground for him and hoping for a big run."