The Bahrain International Trophy (G2) over 2,000 meters on grass on November 15 attracted another outstanding line-up from around the world Ghost Dancer His connections believe he has what it takes to become the race's first double winner.
The Richard Fahey-trained 7-year-old gave co-owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done a day to remember when he won the $1 million competition a year ago. He then won an even more lucrative prize in the Middle East at the Neom Turf Cup (G2) in Saudi Arabia in February.
Spirit Dancer then finished a disappointing 11th in the lucrative Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T) before being given a timeout. The son of Frankel He returned from a 196-day absence when he finished seventh in the Darley Stakes (G3) last month but, according to his driver Oisin Orr, everything has been going smoothly since he arrived in Bahrain ahead of his history-making outing.
“He was great here last year when things weren’t going according to plan all week,” he said. “He hasn't run much this year after having a break in the summer, but he's been in good shape since coming here this time and we're hoping for a good run.”
“Since I came here from Ireland to ride he has really improved in the trials and is now probably running at his highest level.”
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The third from last year, Point Lonsdale and seventh, Pride of Nations are also back and wanting more, with the latter once again the leading contender after his Class 1 win Colonial depths' Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) last time.
The main artist wants to finally bring joy to Gosden's Bahrain
The Gosdens have hit the bar so far in the Bahrain International Trophy but they are hopeful Main Artist finally create happiness for her for the fourth time.
The Clarehaven yard has saddled the runner-up three times since the race began in 2019, including with He insists last year. This time they are relying on the Juddmonte-owned 3-year-old, who turned heads with an impressive victory in the Darley Stakes last month.
His joint coach Thady Gosden said: “It's his first trip abroad and a change of scenery but he's handled everything in his stride. He's had effortless racing all year and won over a mile at Goodwood, which was pretty glossy. He then finished second to a Group 1 sprinter over seven furlongs at Kinross near Doncaster and improved for the step-up in trip in the Darley Stakes.
“He's a horse with a lot of natural speed that should suit a nice, galloping turf track like this. It suits European horses very well and hopefully this is the natural next step for his further development.”
Lead Artist trains at Sakir Racecourse in Bahrain
