French Classic winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) is one of three Group 1 winners set to contest the Bahrain International Trophy along with Above The Curve (American Pharoah) and Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
This year's race, which takes place on Friday, November 17, has been upgraded to Group 2 status for the first time and has enhanced prize-money of $1 million. Fourteen runners will go to post, including two trained locally in Bahrain.
Among the international travellers from five different countries is Shadwell's Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), the winner of the G2 Princess of Wales's S. in July who is trained by John and Thady Gosden.
John Gosden said, “We are confident Israr will run a really nice race over the mile and a quarter, it's a very competitive field but so it should be. It's an exciting, lovely race, well timed in the calendar and the prize-money has been increased so that makes it even more attractive. We've been second in it, so we are itching to win it one day.”
Israr's fellow British-trained challengers include the Group 3 winner Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is co-owned and bred by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Astro King (Ire) (King {GB}), winner of the Cambridgeshire for Daniel and Claire Kubler.
Travelling from Ireland will be the Joseph O'Brien-trained Above The Curve, while Aidan O'Brien fields Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Noel Meade is sending Layfayette (Ire) (French Navy {GB}). From France, Andreas Schutz is represented by Marhaba Ya Sanafi, while Andre Fabre plans to run Birr Castle (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}).
Along with Nations Pride and Birr Castle, Godolphin will also be represented by Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who will return to defend his title for Saeed Bin Suroor and is set to line up alongside his stable-mate Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Nation's Pride's trainer Charlie Appleby will also be double-handed, with the grey Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) an intended traveller.
Yusuf Buheji, the CEO of Bahrain Turf Club, said, “We are very much looking forward to this year's running of the Bahrain International Trophy. The race has attracted a very competitive field, including horses representing a wide range of countries and connections.
“The Bahrain Turf Club is very grateful for the continued support shown by some of the biggest owners in world horse racing, including Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, who won the race last year. Racing in Bahrain continues to grow thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of owners and we wish all our participants the best of luck for this year's race.”
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