The Nov.15 Bahrain International Trophy (G2) at 2,000 meters on turf has attracted another stellar line-up from across the world, and Spirit Dancer's connections believe he has what it takes to become the first dual winner of the race.
The Richard Fahey-trained 7-year-old gave joint-owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, and Peter Done a memorable day when landing the $1 million contest a year ago. He then went on to land an even more lucrative Middle East prize in 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 some time off. The son of Frankel returned from a 196-day absence when seventh in the Darley Stakes (G3) last month, but it has been plain sailing since he arrived in Bahrain ahead of his history-making bid, according to his rider Oisin Orr.
"He was great here last year when things didn't go to plan all week," he said. "He hasn't run an awful lot this year after having a break in the summer, but he's been in good form since he came over this time and we're hoping for a good run.
"Ever since I came over to ride from Ireland he's really stepped up through the grades, and he's probably running at his highest level now."
Last year's third, Point Lonsdale, and seventh, Nations Pride, are also back for more, with the latter the leading contender again following his grade 1 victory in Colonial Downs' Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) last time.
Lead Artist out to finally give Gosdens Bahrain joy
The Gosdens have hit the crossbar in the Bahrain International Trophy so far, but they hope Lead Artist can finally make it fourth time lucky for them.
The Clarehaven yard has saddled the runner-up on three occasions since the race's inception in 2019, including with Israr last year. They rely on the Juddmonte-owned 3-year-old this time, who teed up a tilt at this with an impressive win in the Darley Stakes last month.
His joint-trainer Thady Gosden said: "It's his first trip abroad and a change of scenery, but he's taken it all in his stride. He's been lightly raced through the year and won over a mile at Goodwood, which was pretty slick. He was then second to a group 1 sprinter in Kinross at Doncaster over seven furlongs and he improved for the step up in trip in the Darley Stakes.
"He's a horse with plenty of natural speed, which should suit around a nice, galloping turf track like this. It suits European horses very well and hopefully this is the natural next step for his progression."
