Madaket Stables import Al Jafara (GB) earned ‘TDN Rising Star’ status with an impressive last-to-first allowance victory at Keeneland on Friday.
The 3-year-old Pinatubo filly, making her U.S. debut for trainer Chad Brown, delivered a stunning performance that showcased her European class and validated her connections’ decision to bring her stateside.
Al Jafara began her career in France, finishing fourth against allowance company at Chantilly before breaking her maiden nine days later when stretched out to 1 1/8 miles at the same venue on September 16.
Following that victory, she was purchased for €250,000 at Arqana’s Arc sale by her current ownership group of Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, and Richard Schermerhorn. The filly was subsequently transferred to Brown’s barn and began training at Payson in December.
Bettors made Al Jafara the 5-2 favorite in Friday’s 1 1/16-mile turf allowance. Under jockey Flavien Prat, she broke well but settled at the back of the pack as the field clicked off fractions of :23.39, :48.37, and 1:13.76 for six furlongs.
[Spoiler Alert] When the field bunched up around the far turn, Al Jafara was forced to swing seven wide into the stretch. Despite the ground loss, she produced a breathtaking move in the final furlong, surging past her rivals to win by 1 3/4 lengths over fellow European import Bessie Abott (Ire).
The victory marks Pinatubo’s second U.S. winner from just five starters.
Al Jafara comes from an impressive female family. She is the second winner from three foals to race out of Predawn (Ire), a placed Fastnet Rock mare who is a full sister to Bahrainian champion Shogun (Ire) and G1 Investec Oaks winner Qualify (Ire).
Her dam has produced a juvenile half-brother by Too Darn Hot (GB) and a yearling half-sister by Oasis Dream (GB).
The pedigree depth extends further, with relatives including multiple Group 1 winner Brian Boru (GB), Group winner and GI Breeders’ Cup Turf-placed Sea Moon (GB), and GI Kentucky Oaks victress Flute.
There was a ton of trouble ahead of him but Flavien Prat aboard AL JAFARA (GB) ($7.02) avoided all of it. The Chad Brown trained filly went last-to-first in the 8th at @KeenelandRacing. @MadaketStables, Michael Dubb, and Richard Schermerhorn own the 3YO. pic.twitter.com/931BW5u0YP
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing)
There was a ton of trouble ahead of him but Flavien Prat aboard AL JAFARA (GB) ($7.02) avoided all of it. The Chad Brown trained filly went last-to-first in the 8th at April 12, 2025
Al Jafara completed the 1 1/16 miles on good turf in 1:44.23. Her career record now stands at three starts with two wins and earnings of $66,026.
The filly was bred in Great Britain by V.I. Araci and sold for 15,000gns as a yearling at Tattersalls October before commanding €37,000 as a two-year-old at Arqana and ultimately the €250,000 purchase price at the Arc sale.
