Bahrain International Trophy Draws Top Names

The second running of the Bahrain International Trophy, set for Nov. 20, attracted an accomplished international field, furthering the global reach of big-money wintertime racing in the Middle East.

The field for the 2,000-meter (about 1 1/4-mile) turf event, offering a purse of £500,000, represents much of the world's horse racing elite, from England and Ireland, Europe and Japan, as well as the Middle East. A "who's who" of international stars is booked to ride.

Several of the contenders already have experience in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar as those jurisdictions ramp up their international programs.

The favorite on the international market, Sovereign, is from one of the global powerhouses—Ireland's powerhouse partnership Coolmore, trainer Aidan O'Brien, and jockey Ryan Moore. Still, the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1) winner, idle for a year after that victory and winless in four subsequent starts, has something to prove here.

Deirdre, the Japanese-owned and, recently, British-trained winner of the 2019 Qatar Nassau Stakes (G1), equally needs to turn things around in what is expected to be her last race. The 6-year-old Harbinger mare was second to Port Lions, another Bahrain competitor, in February in the Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup on the Saudi Cup undercard in Riyadh. Since, however, she has been out of the frame in all three starts, most recently reporting eighth in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Assistant trainer Yoshi Hashida said the sodden turf at Longchamp was against Deirdre in the Arc and the expected firm ground for the International should suit better as Hollie Doyle gets the assignment.

"Her two group 1 wins came on right-handed tracks at Kyoto and Goodwood," Hashida said. "The long straight at Sakhir (Racecourse) will suit her. The track looks very fair and we like the firm ground that we will get. We are very excited to take part in the race."

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor brings Dream Castle, a 6-year-old Frankel gelding most recently seen finishing second to Lady Wannabe in the Darley Stakes (G3) at Newmarket Oct. 10. That race was a "Win and You're In" event for the Bahrain International and Lady Wannabe's win also propels her to a spot in the starting gate. Oisin Murphy rides Dream Castle and Jamie Spencer gets a leg up on Lady Wannabe, a 4-year-old daughter of Camelot.

Loxley, a 5-year-old New Approach gelding, is the other half of a Godolphin team. William Buick will ride for trainer Charlie Appleby.

Also on hand from around the globe are Bangkok, a 4-year-old Australia colt trained by Andrew Balding, whose last Middle East venture resulted in a runner-up finish in the Qatar Derby in Doha in December 2019; and Global Giant, trained by John Gosden with Frankie Dettori booked to ride.

Loxley, Bangkok, and Global Giant have been successful on both turf and in the All-Weather Championships in England, reflecting a growing interdependence between the AWC program and wintertime racing in the Middle East, including the Dubai World Cup Carnival races.

"This race has been the target since we realized we were going to have to sit out the bulk of the summer seasons at home due to a minor injury," said Bangkok's trainer, Balding. "Obviously, we're very keen to support the race. But the race is a lot stronger than last year so he's going to have to be at his best."

Thady Godsden, assistant trainer of Global Giant, said he was happy with the No. 5 draw for the horse, owned by Al Adiyat Racing.

"I wouldn't be a world expert on the horse racing here but they say the inside is better," the younger Gosden said.

Last year's kickoff of the International went to French raider Royal Julius but only after a local, Rustang, led by a wide margin into the final furlong. With this year's raiding party representing a significant upgrade from the 2019 edition, the challenge for the locals is incrementally greater.

Two spots in the starting gate are guaranteed for locally-trained horses. Trainer Fawzi Nass fields the pair—Simsir and the aforementioned Port Lions. Port Lions was a winner on the Riyadh undercard Feb. 29 and Simsir ran well enough early this year at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.