A trio of runners bearing the Godolphin royal blue will contest the Listed His Majesty The King's Cup Sponsored By Bapco and the Listed Al Methaq Mile in Bahrain on Friday.
G3 Glorious S. winner and Group 1-placed Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), representing Saeed bin Suroor, and First Ruler (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) from the Charlie Appleby yard both line up in the King's Cup. Appleby also saddles listed winner and multiple group-placed Modern News (GB) (Shamardal) in the Al Methaq Mile.
Appleby said, “First Ruler has got a progressive profile. This is his first test at listed level so we will learn a bit more about him. His profile is going the right way that he doesn't look out of place at this level, but we will be wiser afterwards. The track and conditions should suit him.”
On Modern News Appleby added, “Modern News is a solid campaigner; I was delighted with his last start at Meydan and stepping back up to a mile will suit him. With a nice draw, I think he is the one they've got to beat. He has got a penalty, but I think he can overcome that, and conditions will suit him.”
Zagato (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who won last year's edition of the King's Cup, will attempt to defend his crown for trainer Fawzi Nass. Allan Smith has two in the race for Al Adiyat Racing: Rayounpour (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Recovery Run (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}).
Smith said, “Recovery Run and Rayounpour have both been in and out of form this season, but they're both working well so we're hopeful. The competition is getting much better in Bahrain and the strength of the horses is amazing in the last three years. We love the competition that's what it's all about, it makes everyone get better horses and improve their stable.”
Smith added, “This is the raceday of our season. It always has been The King's Cup. It's the equivalent to Royal Ascot; it's the pinnacle of racing in Bahrain.”
The feature race, The King's Cup, will be available to watch live on Racing TV and via live stream on The Bahrain Turf Club website at 12:45 p.m. UK time.
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