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| Staff Writer |
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Dear My Friend and Phantom Flight are set to make their Bahrain debuts as the Bahrain Turf Series continues to attract top-class international runners. The Charlie Johnston-trained Dear My Friend, a dual Listed winner on synthetic surfaces in Britain, will face tough opposition in Friday's US$80,000 Al Adiyat Cup at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club.
George Scott, fresh from his 2024 Crown Prince's Cup triumph with Isle Of Jura, sends out Phantom Flight with high expectations. The British trainer said: "Phantom Flight is a really interesting horse. He's rated 110. He loves fast ground, and he is potentially a really exciting horse for us in Bahrain. It's going to be fascinating to see how he acquits himself."
The 1800m contest features formidable local opposition, including last season's Al Adiyat Cup victor Zagato, who shares Phantom Flight's 110 rating. Sovereign Spirit, rated 109, adds further depth to an already competitive field. Callum Shepherd, recently recovered from injury, jets in from Britain to partner Phantom Flight.
The US$80,000 Al Wasmiya Cup over 1000m sees Swift Asset bidding for a second series victory. The Jaber Ramadhan-trained speedster, rated 105, demonstrated impressive form when winning on the opening day of the 2024-25 series. The international challenge comes from George Baker's duo - Get It, a previous Stewards' Cup winner and Bahrain Turf Series race victor, alongside stablemate Kiwano, who boasts previous course success.
The contest represents round three of this season's series, with both sprint and middle-distance divisions continuing to showcase high-quality fields as international raiders take on the local talent. Swift Asset could regain leadership in the sprint division standings, currently sitting one point behind last Friday's winner Spangled Mac, who misses this week's contest.