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| Staff Writer |
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See The Fire is burning a path to Bahrain after scorching to victory in yesterday's Sky Bet Strensall Stakes at York, securing an invitation to the US$1 million Bahrain International Trophy in November.
The Andrew Balding-trained filly, given a peach of a ride by Oisin Murphy, weaved through the nine-runner field to land the Gr.3 contest, potentially following in the hoofprints of last year's winner Spirit Dancer, who went on to Bahrain glory.
Murphy, showcasing his trademark patience, allowed See The Fire to settle before unleashing her potent turn of foot. The daughter of Sea The Stars quickened smartly to overhaul Phantom Flight, representing Victorious Racing, with Checkandchallenge filling the minor placing.
Previous winners of the Strensall Stakes include the likes of Decorated Knight, who went on to land the Irish Champion Stakes, and the globe-trotting Lord Glitters, successful in Dubai and France.
York's chief executive William Derby is chuffed with the race's growing international profile, saying: "We're very proud that York's Sky Bet Ebor Festival has acquired a profile on the international stage befitting a global racing carnival.
"The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes is a case in point. Through our partnership with the Bahrain Turf Club, the winner secures an automatic invite to the US$1m Bahrain International Trophy."
Should connections take up the invite, See The Fire will be aiming to emulate Spirit Dancer's feat of completing the Strensall-Bahrain double. The 2023 renewal of Bahrain's showpiece event saw Spirit Dancer, trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by Oisin Orr, triumph over Israr and Point Lonsdale in a high-class affair.
Balding, clearly impressed with his charge, said: "We've always thought the world of this filly, she's beautiful to look at and has always worked well. I'm delighted for Jeff Smith and everyone at Littleton Stud, as these owner-breeders are so important and to get sent horses of this calibre is special."
The victory continues a fine family tradition at York for See The Fire, with both her sire Sea The Stars and dam Arabian Queen having previously tasted success in the Juddmonte International at the Knavesmire venue.
Murphy, buoyant after the win, added: "She travelled sweetly, it was a sprint from early in the straight and she saw out the last furlong strongly. She's a homebred out of Arabian Queen and I am delighted, hopefully she can go on to bigger and better things."
Runner-up Phantom Flight maintained the red-hot form of Victorious Racing, coming hot on the heels of Bradsell's Group One triumph at York on Friday. Trained by George Scott and piloted by Callum Shepherd, the improving 5YO may well seek to follow a similar international path to stablemate Isle Of Jura, who enjoyed great success in Bahrain last season.
The 2024 running of the Bahrain International Trophy is scheduled for 15 November at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. The 1m2f (2,000m) contest, upgraded to Group Two status last year, closes for entries on 2 October.
With the expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series and the introduction of floodlit racing, the Gulf kingdom's upcoming season promises to be a cracker, with See The Fire potentially adding further star quality to an already glittering line-up.