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| Staff Writer |
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Goemon and Calif are set to lead the Bahraini charge on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan this Saturday, carrying the Kingdom's hopes against some of the world's finest Thoroughbreds.
The two-horse raiding party represents a significant milestone for Bahraini racing, with Haider Ebrahim preparing for his debut appearance as a trainer at the prestigious international meeting.
Standing tall among Bahrain's representatives is Goemon, fresh from his commanding victory in the Listed Al Methaq Mile, who will tackle the US$5m Dubai Turf for owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
Having compiled an impressive season with four victories and strong performances in Saudi Arabia, Goemon has established himself as Bahrain's premier miler. The step up to 1800m presents a fresh challenge that connections are embracing.
"We are delighted that Goemon received an invitation for the Dubai Turf, over 1800m. He is going to face strong opposition, but I think he deserves his chance based on his performances in Bahrain and Saudi," said Ebrahim.
"This year he is more mature, a stronger horse. I think the game changer was going to Meydan last season. Travelling to Dubai and to Saudi has made him more mature. I think he is going to be good enough to compete, hopefully he is going to finish in the first five, but it will be tough.
"Goemon will be my first runner on Dubai World Cup night, but he is a good horse, he never gives up and we are happy with his work. We are looking forward to it."
Goemon's rivals in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf include Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior and French star Facteur Cheval, who claimed the race last year. The international field is further strengthened by challengers from Japan, the United Kingdom and locally-based Nations Pride.
Meanwhile, Calif carries the hopes of Victorious Racing and trainer Fawzi Nass in the US$6m Dubai Sheema Classic over 2400m – a distance he tackles for the first time.
Nass brings valuable experience to the table, having previously tasted victory on Dubai World Cup night when Krypton Factor claimed the Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2012.
Calif enters the contest with solid credentials, having secured group race victories in France and Germany before finishing an impressive second at the Saudi Cup meeting in February.
Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club, highlighted the significance of this international representation: "It is a sign of the progress and strength of Bahrain's racing that two of our horses have received invitations to run on Dubai World Cup night. As a club, we take great pride in their participation at international level and look forward to watching them represent the Kingdom of Bahrain on Saturday."