Top-class six-year-old in the hunt for major autumn prizes.
Owen Burrows’ six-year-old star, Anmaat, is gearing up for a return to the Prix Dollar at Longchamp after bypassing the Irish Champion Stakes last weekend. With the prestigious Group Two race at Paris looming large, Anmaat’s connections opted for the safer path, believing the Irish Champion Stakes might have posed too stern a test. Despite Anmaat already boasting a Group One victory in the Prix d'Ispahan earlier this year, Burrows and the Shadwell team have carefully crafted a plan to maintain their colt’s impressive form through a measured approach.
Anmaat’s story has been one of resilience and determination. Having been sidelined for 439 days, he made a stunning comeback in early August, landing the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock. The victory wasn’t just a return; it was a statement, reminding the racing world of his undeniable talent after such a prolonged absence. Remarkably, this was his second win in the Rose of Lancaster, with his first triumph coming in 2022—a year in which he also claimed the Prix Dollar title in Paris. Now, his team has their eyes set on reclaiming that crown.
With the decision to skip the Irish Champion Stakes behind them, Burrows’ camp is laser-focused on Arc weekend, where Anmaat is expected to shine once again. The Prix Dollar holds special significance for both the horse and his connections, as the Group Two race is an opportunity for Anmaat to show that his return to form is no fluke. Burrows expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s condition, saying, "Anmaat's going to go to the Prix Dollar on Arc weekend. That’s the plan for him, and then if all goes well, he could go for the Champion Stakes a few weeks later."
The path chosen by Burrows is not one of caution but of strategy. The team believes that facing the Irish Champion Stakes, with its competitive lineup, would have been akin to "throwing him to the wolves." Anmaat has already proven himself at the highest level, but there is a keen sense within the camp that he needs a slightly softer reintroduction to the top tier of competition before taking on even bigger challenges.
This approach makes the Prix Dollar a vital stepping stone toward the more prestigious Champion Stakes, part of Qipco British Champions Day. Anmaat already holds an entry for the latter, a race that promises to feature some of the finest horses from across Europe. Should everything go to plan in Paris, the stage will be set for a thrilling run at the Champion Stakes just a few weeks later.
For Anmaat’s connections, these decisions are being made with a delicate balance between ambition and practicality. Burrows, who has expertly managed the horse’s recovery and return, has kept his cards close to his chest but remained optimistic about Anmaat’s future. "We felt the Irish Champion would have been too much of a risk at this stage," Burrows noted. "He’s already a Group One winner, but we liked the idea of giving him the Group Two race. If everything goes well in France, we’ll look at the Champion Stakes as the next target."
Anmaat’s journey through this season has captivated many in the racing world, and the anticipation surrounding his next steps is building. There is a sense of unfinished business for the horse who has already conquered the Prix Dollar once before, and who now returns to Longchamp with renewed vigor. His form, which Burrows described as "in a really good place," has been closely monitored, and all signs point toward another stellar performance on Arc weekend.
Looking ahead, Burrows and the Shadwell team are keeping their fingers crossed that Anmaat stays healthy and continues his upward trajectory. The possibility of back-to-back victories in Paris, followed by a run at Qipco British Champions Day, would be a dream scenario. For now, however, the focus is entirely on Longchamp, where Anmaat will aim to reaffirm his status as one of Europe’s most talented middle-distance horses.
