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| Staff Writer |
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On Friday, 17th November, Godolphin will be bringing a strong team of five horses to compete in the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy. Among them are Defending Champion Dubai Future and the talented Gr.1 winner Nations Pride, who has had success racing all around the world. They will undoubtedly be looking to make their mark in this prestigious event.
Last year, Dubai Future beat Passion And Glory to provide Saeed bin Suroor with an unforgettable 1-2 in Bahrain's top race. The 7YO is making his first start since finishing second to Mostahdaf in Saudi Arabia's Gr.3 Neom Turf Cup in February.
Nations Pride, who has won in the UAE, Germany, and Canada this year, is making his first appearance in Bahrain. The Charlie Appleby-trained colt began the season with an easy victory in the Gr.3 Dubai Millennium Stakes and then finished third in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf before earning impressive top-level wins in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis and Canadian International.
Real World won the Gr.2 Zabeel Mile in 2022 and went on to finish runner-up behind Baaeed in both the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes in Europe later that season. The Dark Angel colt, now 6YO, is making his first appearance for Saeed bin Suroor since finishing seventh in the Gr.1 Prix Ganay in April.
Highland Avenue, a son of Dubawi trained by Charlie Appleby, is heading to Bahrain after a career-best four-length victory in the Gr.3 Earthlight Darley Stakes at Newmarket in October.
Charlie Appleby said, “Nations Pride is in great shape and we are very happy with him. He’s had a great season already and it was always our intention to head to Bahrain following his win out in Canada. Stall 12 makes things slightly trickier but he is one of the class horses in the race and looks the worthy favourite.
“Highland Avenue took the journey out to Bahrain in his stride and has been training well out there. He has a nice draw in three and lines up on the back of a pleasing win at Newmarket. I feel we have two competitive runners in a very strong edition of the race.”
Saeed bin Suroor said,“Dubai Future won this race last year, although this looks a tougher renewal. He has been working well and I have been pleased with his preparation. He has gone well fresh in the past and has a nice draw in stall five. I am looking for another good effort.
“Real World showed some very good form in 2022 and looks to be in good order. He is drawn down on the inside in stall one, but I am hoping that he will be able to show his strong turn of foot in the straight.”
Last year, Andre Fabre sent Magny Cours to finish fourth in the Bahrain International Trophy. This year, the trainer is represented by 3YO Birr Castle. Birr Castle, a colt sired by Cloth Of Stars, has had notable success at Listed level in France this season. Additionally, he ran impressively, finishing a close third behind Ace Impact in the Gr.2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano.