Charlie Appleby says Nations Pride (Aire) (Teofilo {Aire}) will be lined up as favorites for Friday’s $1 million Bahrain International Trophy, but as Godolphin prepare for a top five spot. The team in the Group 2 contest admitted that a 12 stall could make things difficult for the two Group 1 winners.
Nations Pride, who last won the G1 Canadian International in October, will be joined by stablemate Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), with jockey William Buick opting to ride the former for his first victory. did.
Appleby said: “Nations Pride is in great form and we are very happy with him. He has had a great season already and it was always our intention to head to Bahrain after the win in Canada. Stall. 12 makes things a bit more difficult, but he is one of the class horses in this race and looks like a worthy favorite.”
The trainer added, “Highland Avenue traveled to Bahrain in good condition and has been steadily training there.” He has had an excellent draw in three games and is lining up on the back of his happy win at Newmarket. He feels he has two competitive runners in a very strong race. ”
Godolphin will also be represented by the Saeed bin Surour-trained duo of Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), and Andre Favre The Chateau de Ville (France) provides an additional layer. Of conspiracy.
Dubai Future competed in the 1m2f event 12 months ago, but his trainer said Friday’s event was a stronger renewal.
Bin Suroor said: “Dubai Future won this race last year, but this time it looks like it will be a tougher renewal. He did a good job and I am happy with his preparation. He has had some fresh results in the past, with a nice draw in the fifth stall, and is looking for another good effort.
“Real World has shown very good form in 2022 and looks to be on track. After the first stall, he pulled inside, but I expect him to show strong suspension in the straights. ”
Trainer Andre Favre will send him to Magny-Cours, where he finished fourth in last year’s Bahrain Trophy, and this time the 3-year-old will be trained by Bill Castle. The Cross of Stars (Ire) colt, who has been successful twice at the French Listed level this season, ran well in the G2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano, finishing third behind Ace Impact.
It’s not all Godolphin Blue in Bahrain. In the red corner, legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is given the colors by the Richard Fahey-trained Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), while Coolmore is given the colors by Above the – Curve (American Pharoah) and Point will serve as double representatives. Lonsdale (Eire) (Australia {GB}).
Spirit Dancer, who was coached by Coach Ferguson with Niall McLoughlin, will face the toughest test of his career to date, but the Scotsman had made good progress in the build-up to Friday’s race. .
“I think the competitive element of me remained in football,” he said on Racing TV’s Race Day. “I never question the trainer and I don’t get upset if the horse loses, because for me it’s a different sport. I can’t tell the horse what to do, but , at least I was able to tell the players what to do.” I’m not a critical judge in that respect.
“I enjoy being there and of course I get excited when the horses win, especially in the big races. Spirit Dancer has given us great joy and I started a stallion and he is the first product of a stallion. ”
Meanwhile, jockey Fahey on Thursday outlined his expectations for the six-year-old, saying the trip to Bahrain with the progressive stallion was not an afterthought.
He said, “Bahrain has been a goal all season because it’s a million-dollar race and it’s a good opportunity with the travel, the track and everything else suitable.” He is a very laid-back horse. When you talk about horses overseas, you have to choose the right horse, and this horse has a great brain and is very laid back, so I think he’ll probably drive the flight home. There’s no problem with him at all. ”
Other Anglo-Irish interests include John and Sadie Gosden’s trained Israr (GB) (Muharrar {GB}), Noel Mead’s Leyfayette (Isle) (French Navy {GB}), Daniel and Claire Kubler’s Astro King (Aisle) (Kingman { GB}).
The Bahrain Trophy will be played locally at 12:05pm and in the UK and Ireland at 2:05pm. Viewers in the UK and Ireland can watch the race live on Racing TV.