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| Staff Writer |
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The US$1 million Bahrain International Trophy has evolved into a significant fixture on the international racing calendar since its inception, with previous winner Deirdre (2020) blazing a trail with multiple Group One successes across Europe and Asia. Last year's victor Spirit Dancer demonstrated the race's growing prestige by following up with a commanding performance in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, where he outpointed this year's rival Killer Ability.
The 2023 renewal has attracted horses from six racing jurisdictions, setting the stage for a truly global contest on November 15. Spirit Dancer returns to defend his crown, carrying the colours of his high-profile connections including legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who shares ownership with Ged Mason and Peter Done.
The defending champion faces stiff competition from Nations Pride, who arrives with top-level credentials having captured the Gr.1 Arlington Million in August. The William Buick-ridden Godolphin challenger has been campaigned exclusively in North America this season, building an impressive reputation.
Adding international intrigue are the Japanese raiders Killer Ability and Yamanin Sympa, both sons of the influential Deep Impact and trained by Takashi Saito. Killer Ability, a Group One winner at two and runner-up in the Neom Turf Cup, will have the services of British champion jockey Oisin Murphy, while his stablemate brings complementary form to the table.
Gosden team seeking breakthrough John and Thady Gosden introduce an intriguing contender in 3YO Lead Artist, aiming to improve on their string of three second-place finishes in the race. The Juddmonte-owned colt, their first runner in this event, enters with progressive form following his success in the Gr.3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket.
Co-licence holder, Thady Gosden said: "The Bahrain International Trophy is an event that has gone from strength to strength over the past five years. To date, we have run three horses in the race, all of whom have finished second.
"Lead Artist is a horse who has always had a lot of natural speed, as such he was running over a mile and also over seven furlongs this summer. He won a Group Three at Goodwood over what is a pretty slick mile but he improved again for the step up in trip in the Darley Stakes and the fast ground in Bahrain should suit. It's a race where you need a bit of pace.
"Kieran Shoemark will ride. He's ridden him in all his starts, knows him very well, and he has had riding contracts in Bahrain before, so he knows the track well too."
Champion Stakes hero Anmaat's connections, trainer Owen Burrows and Shadwell Estate, are represented by the talented Alflaila. The 5YO, who will be partnered by Jim Crowley, brings rock-solid form having claimed the Gr.2 York Stakes for a second consecutive year this summer.
French-trained Calif adds another international dimension, carrying the hopes of Victorious Racing following his Group One triumph in Germany. The 6YO represents trainers Carlos and Yann Lerner and exemplifies the improved form he has shown throughout this campaign.
Local hopes rest with progressive 4YO Sovereign Spirit, who has already shown his affinity for the course. Having chased home Isle Of Jura in The King's Cup in March, he produced an eye-catching victory in the feature race during the season opener last Friday.
The sixth renewal of the Bahrain International Trophy marks a significant milestone as the first edition to be staged under floodlights, with a local off-time of 7.35pm. This historic running promises to deliver a spectacular evening of international racing, with the diverse field of established stars and emerging talents competing for the US$1 million prize.
The race's growing status is reflected not only in the quality of its participants but also in its timing, offering a perfect stepping stone for horses targeting the lucrative Middle Eastern racing carnival early in 2024. With its mix of local talent and international raiders, this year's renewal looks set to add another compelling chapter to the race's developing story.