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| Staff Writer |
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Snellen, the Royal Ascot heroine trained by Gavin Cromwell, is embarking on a lucrative Middle Eastern campaign, starting with Friday's Al Muharraq Cup in Bahrain.
The 3YO Expert Eye filly, who delivered Cromwell's second Royal Ascot triumph in the Chesham Stakes, has maintained solid form with two victories from eight outings in 2024, succeeding at both Limerick and Gowran Park.
The US$80,000 contest has attracted a formidable British challenge, including Lucander from George Baker's yard, while George Boughey fields both Oliver Show and Mr Alan. The race's prestige is highlighted by last year's winner Isle Of Jura, who subsequently captured the Gr.1 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time, Cromwell remains optimistic about the distance: "It's a longer trip for her, but I'm told that you'd want a mile or a mile-and-a-furlong horse for that trip over there as it's a sharp track. It's a nice track and you'd want gears on it, but there's plenty of stamina in her pedigree anyway."
The trainer's ambitious plans extend through to March, with regular racing opportunities ahead. "She's there until March as there's a race for her every couple of weeks," he explained. "Gary [Carroll] is going across to ride her."
The programme culminates with several prestigious targets, as Cromwell notes: "It's US$80,000 for nearly all of the handicaps, while there are conditions and Listed races towards the end and the money steps up again. She's more than likely going to be put in foal in the spring and she wants fast ground."
The daughter of Expert Eye joins a strong British raiding party, with entries from Hugo Palmer, Charlie Johnston, Jack Channon and Ian Williams completing an international line-up for Friday's feature.