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| Staff Writer |
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Rising stars and proven performers clash in US$160,000 feature races at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club
George Scott is aiming to maintain his red-hot form in Bahrain as his stable star Rocket Rodney bids for back-to-back victories in Friday's Al Riffa Cup at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.
The Newmarket handler, who enjoyed a remarkable opening day of the Bahrain Turf Series with two winners and a second, has high hopes for the 5YO gelding who runs in the colours of Victorious Racing.
"Rocket Rodney helped kick start my career again back in 2022. He was the first horse His Highness Shaikh Nasser had with me and it is lovely to have the horse back competing in the Bahrain Turf Series. He seemed to like the track last year. He won here and ran very well on other occasions," Scott reflected.
The US$80,000 Gr.2 Al Riffa Cup has drawn a stellar field, with Swift Asset carrying local hopes after winning the Al Manama Cup. Fellow sprinters Get It, Deep Intrigue, Salvuccio, Mehmento, Thunder Moor, Jehangeer, The Parent, Grand City Hall, Wallbank, Squealer, Desert Cop, and Kiwano complete a competitive 18-runner field.
International challengers include Hugo Palmer's Roman Dragon, who finished fifth last time, while James Ferguson's Jubilee Walk and George Boughey's Spangled Mac join Inveigle and Nomadic Empire in seeking glory over the 1200m distance.
The card's other feature, the US$80,000 Gr.2 Al Dana Cup over 2000m, sees Irish raider Snellen attempting to maintain her impressive form. After becoming the first Irish-trained winner in Bahrain when taking the Al Muharraq Cup, she faces a stiffer task off a rating of 102.
A strong middle-distance field includes Locander, Bond's Boy, Merlin's Beard, Bleak, Gulmarg, Killybeg's Warrior, Signalman, Mr Alan, Elwasme, West Suffolk, Vegas Jack, and Soldier's Empire. Jack Channon's Majestic must overcome stall 15, while Charlie Johnston's Lion Of War and Hugo Palmer's Box To Box seek improvement from their previous performances.
Up-and-coming apprentice Liam Wright takes the ride on Rocket Rodney in what represents a significant opportunity for the young rider attached to Scott's yard.
The Bahrain Turf Series, supported by platinum sponsors including Bapco Energies and National Bank of Bahrain, continues to enhance the kingdom's standing in global horseracing, with further rounds scheduled until March's finale.