 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Snellen, who made history for trainer Gavin Cromwell as Ireland's first Bahrain winner in December, attempts to add another landmark victory in Friday's US$150,000 Listed Crown Prince's Cup over 2000m at Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club.
The Royal Ascot juvenile winner, who stormed home in the Al Muharraq Cup, confronts a formidable opponent in Phantom Flight, representing the all-conquering George Scott yard. The Newmarket handler, fresh from West Acre's Dubai triumph, seeks back-to-back victories in this prestigious contest following Isle Of Jura's success twelve months ago.
Cromwell, whose charge receives valuable weight concessions, says: "We've been very happy with Snellen. She is training well and has really acclimatised to her surroundings. Obviously, she is stepping out of handicap company, but she now gets all the allowances and we are hopeful of a big run and she should not be far away."
The seven-runner field features four locally trained contenders, spearheaded by Sovereign Spirit. Passion And Glory, carrying Godolphin's famous blue silks for Saeed bin Suroor, partners with Dylan Browne McMonagle.
Thursday's opening day showcases two Bahrain Turf Series contests. Majestic, trained by Jack Channon, heads the middle-distance standings on 25 points. The 2022 Cambridgeshire hero, runner-up to Snellen before landing the Al Dana Cup, tackles the Anchorman Cup (sponsored by Howden) off a career-peak rating.
Seamie Heffernan, successful aboard Majestic last time, maintains the partnership before reuniting with Snellen in Friday's feature.
The Hawar Cup (sponsored by Cebarco) sprint attracts ten international raiders among eighteen declarations. Scott fields City House and Rocket Rodney, while George Baker saddles Stewards Cup victor Get It alongside newcomer Desert Cop.
Group One-winning pilot Tom Marquand, Bahrain Turf Club ambassador, partners Instinctive Move for Al Adiyat Racing in the Hawar Cup among his seven festival mounts.
The middle-distance division champion collects a US$40,000 bonus, adding further intrigue to this compelling two-day international programme.