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Irish filly seeks second major overseas prize following December triumph
Snellen, the pride of Gavin Cromwell's yard, is seeking further glory in the Al Dana Cup at Bahrain on Friday, following her historic triumph last month.
The Expert Eye filly, whose name honours the creator of the eye test chart, burst onto the scene with victory in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2023.
Demonstrating her versatility, the 4YO bay made history on December 20 when becoming the first Irish-trained winner in Bahrain, claiming the Al Muharraq Cup by a length and three-quarters under Gary Carroll from a challenging draw in stall 16.
Now settled at the track, she faces fresh challenges in Friday's contest over the same 10-furlong trip, drawn in stall four with Scott McCullagh taking the reins.
Cromwell remains optimistic despite the increased impost: "She's very well, we're looking forward to running her. She has gone up in the handicap and is carrying a lot more weight, but she has a nice draw and she seems in good order."
The British challenge is formidable, with Lucander (George Baker), Majestic (Jack Channon), Lion Of War (Charlie Johnston), Box To Box (Hugo Palmer), Mr Alan (George Boughey) and Soldier's Empire (Marco Botti) all seeking honours.
In the supporting Al Riffa Cup By BBK, George Scott's Rocket Rodney aims to recapture his 2023 crown. The Victorious Racing-owned gelding, successful by three-quarters of a length last year under Callum Shepherd, returns after an unplaced effort in the Al Manama Cup.
Scott said: "He ran a bit below-par on his first run out here this season, but he's stepping back up to six furlongs now. He's on a mark that he's capable of winning off, but he would need things to fall right for him this time."
The British challenge continues with Baker's Get It and Kiwano, Botti's Jehangeer, Palmer's Roman Dragon, while Boughey fields both Spangled Mac and Walbank in the Turf Series event.