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| Staff Writer |
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Regional is all set to kick off his 2025 campaign in the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday week, with connections excited about his Dubai challenge.
The Ed Bethell-trained 7YO, a Group One winner in the 2023 Sprint Cup at Haydock, will be making his seasonal reappearance in the valuable contest.
"He flies on Saturday morning, so fingers crossed," said Bethell.
"He worked well on Wednesday and we're looking forward to getting him over there and getting him going.
"It's a Group One and worth a lot of money and he should be competitive. We're looking forward to having a go and hopefully he can pick up some sort of prize money."
Regional will face tough competition in Dubai, with several other British-trained sprinters targeting the race.
John and Thady Gosden's Audience, George Scott's West Acre, George Boughey's Believing and the Charlie Hills-trained Mitbaahy are also in the mix for the valuable sprint contest.
Despite failing to add to his tally in three starts last season, Regional showed his class with second place finishes in both the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh and King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.