Owen Burrows is hoping his horses are hitting their stride at the perfect time as he prepares to send Alflaila into a Group 1 battle against the likes of Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy and Royal Ascot winner Calandagan in the Juddmonte International at York on 21 August.
The Lambourn trainer has enjoyed a recent upturn in form, with four of his last six runners finding the winner's enclosure. On 10 August, he had a double when Anmaat returned from a long absence to win the Rose of Lancaster Stakes (G3) at Haydock for the second time, and Jarraaf bolted away with the Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster season so far," said Burrows. "You think they're in good shape and then you have a disappointing weekend, but thankfully, the last couple of weeks have been good. I've been happy with them at home all along and I can't really explain why they've suddenly turned a corner."
Anmaat's impressive victory at Haydock after 439 days off the track has opened up exciting possibilities, with the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown and the Champion Stakes (G1) on the Group 1 winner's radar.
"We felt he'd improve significantly from his run on Saturday, and thankfully, we were good enough to pull it off," Burrows said. "He's fine after the race, which is the most important thing. We'll see how he is in a week or so and take it from there. He's entered in the Irish Champion Stakes and, if he's in good health, we'll definitely consider it. However, he's also entered in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, and he obviously performs well on soft ground."
Burrows described Shergar Cup winner Jarraaf as a "brute" and is delighted to see him starting to live up to his potential after just one start as a juvenile last season.
"That stiff six furlongs at Ascot really suits him, but I think he'd be equally effective over an easy seven," he said. "We'll see what the handicapper does and then make a plan for the second half of the season. But, all being well, he'll be a fantastic horse next year."
Burrows has outlined his plans for a select group of horses for next week's Ebor meeting, with Alflaila, who has only tasted defeat once in four runs at York, leading the charge in the International Stakes. Deira Mile could join him in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) and Alyanaabi in the Strensall Stakes (G3).
"It'll be great to have Alflaila back at York," said Burrows. "It's a tough race, but he loves the track, and if things go our way, he could run a great race. We know he needs to improve a bit, but I believe he's at his peak now. I'm aiming Deira Mile at the Voltigeur, but if the ground is too fast, I wouldn't risk him because I think the St Leger, with a bit of give in the ground, is his race. Alyanaabi might go for the Strensall, which I think could be ideal for him. Newbury was a disappointment last time out, but I'm happy with him. He might be similar to Alflaila, who won the race two years ago."
With a renewed sense of optimism and a team of horses seemingly hitting their stride, Owen Burrows will be looking to build on recent success at York next week, and beyond.