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| Staff Writer |
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The international challengers for Friday's Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy have touched down in the Gulf state, with defending champion Spirit Dancer headlining a stellar cast of 13 runners set to compete under the lights at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.
Yamanin Sympa and Killer Ability spearheaded the overseas contingent's arrival, with French challengers Andromede and Calif following shortly after. The latter represents Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's Victorious Racing and is prepared by training partnership Carlos and Yann Lerner.
Godolphin's Nations Pride and Alflaila have made the short journey from the UAE, while Irish raider Point Lonsdale, trained by Aidan O'Brien, returns seeking to improve on last year's third-place finish. The British challenge is fortified by Spirit Dancer and Lead Artist.
The prestigious 10-furlong contest, staged for the first time under state-of-the-art floodlights, has attracted runners from six racing jurisdictions. Local hopes rest primarily with Sovereign Spirit, the promising 4YO representing Al Afoo Racing, who also field Young Ireland. The home team is completed by MKAR Racing's duo Goemon and Sprewell.
Previous winners of this relatively young contest include Spirit Dancer, who claimed glory in 2023 for owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done. The Richard Fahey-trained gelding powered home under Oisin Orr, defeating subsequent Royal Ascot victor Israr, with Point Lonsdale in third.
The race, first run in 2019, has quickly established itself as Bahrain's premier international contest. Lord Glitters took the 2020 running before adding the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan to his resume, while 2021 victor Pogo went on to land the Gr.2 Summer Mile at Ascot.
Starting positions for Friday's US$1million contest will be determined at Wednesday's draw ceremony, with the feature race scheduled for 7.35pm local time as the highlight of an eight-race card.