Tough Field From Around the Globe for The Amir Trophy

Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha, Qatar, doesn't have quite the cachet of Epsom Downs, Tokyo Racecourse, ParisLongchamp, or Sha Tin Racecourse—yet.

But if the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club keeps presenting races the stature of the Feb. 17 H H The Amir Trophy, that kind of recognition can't be far off. The field is filled with quality from around the globe, as far afield as Hong Kong.

Godolphin is represented in the Trophy by 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) winner Rebel's Romance . Arch rival Coolmore has multiple group stakes winner Point Lonsdale , fresh off a third-place finish in the Bahrain International Trophy (G2). Israr , a Shadwell standard-bearer, was second in Bahrain and returns for a tilt at the Qatar crown. Simca Mille , winner of the Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1) last summer, comes from France.

The 2023 Trophy winner, Russian Emperor , returns from Hong Kong to seek a repeat triumph. Japan has sent three contenders: Zeffiro, last seen finishing second in the Hong Kong Vase (G1) in December; Satono Glanz, a promising 4-year-old; and veteran North Bridge.

And it's worth remembering this race competes for runners with the Saudi Cup (G1) program a week later and, to a lesser degree, with next month's Dubai World Cup (G1) card.

The jockeys assembling to ride the quality field also are among the crème de la crème on the world scene, including Ryan Moore, William Buick, Oisin Murphy, Jim Crowley, Tom Marquand, Mickael Barzalona, Yuga Kawada, and Joao Moreira.

The 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) on the grass carries a purse of $2.5 million and, while currently rated a local group 1 by international authorities, likely will be considered for international pattern status with a continuation of such prestigious patronage.

The race is supported by a full slate of heats for both Thoroughbreds and purebred Arabians. The latter get special emphasis in Qatar.

Hong Kong Jockey Club's Declan Schuster reported from Doha that trainer Douglas Whyte is high on Russian Emperor's chances for a title defense as he launches from gate seven of 11.

"His turf gallop on Tuesday (Feb. 13) with me on was as expected," Whyte said. He's just flying at the moment. His action's been great, his attitude, and his weight is his winning weight which he was at last year. I just can't seem to get him to this weight in Hong Kong. It's phenomenal."

The weight problem might explain Russian Emperor's recent slump in Hong Kong, where the 7-year-old Galileo gelding has missed the frame in six of his last seven races.

Alberto Sanna, who has won riding titles in both Qatar and Bahrain, rode Russian Emperor for Whyte in 2023 and returns.

"This year it's going to be tougher because there are better horses," Sanna said. "But Russian Emperor is in good order and we are going to try and do the double."

Rebel's Romance has had an eventful 15 months since his Breeders' Cup triumph. Running off a layoff in the 2023 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), he finished seventh, well adrift of the winner, Equinox . Back in North America, he clipped heels in the Bowling Green Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course in July, losing rider Richard Mullen, then reported a dull fourth in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) at Aqueduct Racetrack Oct.7.

Trainer Charlie Appleby gave Rebel's Romance a tightener in an all-weather stakes at Kempton Dec. 13. He won that professionally and will break from gate 10 in the Trophy. 

Zeffiro drew the outside stall but trainer Yasutoshi Ikee minimized the impact.

"It's not too bad. He sits midfield. The mile and a half is more his distance," Ikee said, per the HKJC. "I think it is good for him. The grass suits him. That's why we came here."