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| Staff Writer |
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The Thoroughbred highlight of the Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan racecourse in Qatar is the US$2.5 million HH The Amir Trophy on February 17, where Israr will bid to go one better in the Middle East. Israr, a 5YO trained by John and Thady Gosden, was last seen finishing second in the Gr.2 International Trophy in Bahrain in November. On the same card, Israr's stablemate Orne will be competing in the US$400,000 Al Rayyan Mile.
Israr, a former handicapper, proved his mettle last season and progressed into a black-type performer. After placing in listed and group three company, he had his finest hour when he overcame 2021 Gr. Epsom Derby winner Adayar in the Gr.2 Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket in July. The son of Muhaarar then finished a fine second in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot under a five-pound penalty and most recently had some fancied rivals behind him when chasing home fellow British raider Spirit Dancer in Bahrain.
According to Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to owners Shadwell Estates, Israr is in good shape and worked well on the Cambridge Road polytrack last week. Jim Crowley is expected to fly from Dubai to partner Israr, while Orne, who won the Gr.3 Horris Hill Stakes at Newmarket in November, will be ridden by Robert Havlin.
Israr will face stiff competition in the Amir Trophy from 2023 winner Russian Emperor, trained by Doug Whyte in Hong Kong, and possibly Goldophin's Rebel's Romance for last year's runner-up trainer Charlie Appleby. Aidan O'Brien has also entered group two winner Point Lonsdale for the 1 1/2-mile contest.