Victorious Racing's standout contender aims for Triple Crown glory. Jockey Callum Shepherd hails Isle of Jura.
All focus shifts to Bahrain on 8th March for the 2024 King's Cup (Listed), honoring His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and backed by Bapco Energies. With a prize purse of US$200,000, this season's climax draws a stellar lineup of international and local contenders, notably Isle Of Jura from George Scott's stable under the Victorious Racing banner
Isle Of Jura, imported from Newmarket in December, has swiftly risen in Bahrain's ranks, capturing three victories out of four outings, including the prestigious Crown Prince's Cup. His recent triumph in the HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup showcased his dominance. Now, he aims to complete a hat-trick of major wins within a span of five weeks by clinching the King's Cup over 2400m.
Guiding Isle Of Jura throughout his Bahrain campaign is jockey Callum Shepherd, who has witnessed the gelding's ascent from a rating of 97 to 111. Anticipating the King's Cup challenge, Shepherd expresses confidence in Isle Of Jura's capabilities despite stiff competition from Godolphin's entries.
Shepherd commented, "Isle Of Jura stands as the finest middle-distance mount I've had, with potential for further growth. While the King's Cup poses a formidable test, including formidable Godolphin contenders, our horse remains the standout contender."He has grown up noticeably while he has been in Bahrain. He's now so relaxed in a race, he really enjoys the quicker ground and he's got this high-level of raw ability that allows him to travel so well into his races and he finishes them off so well too.
"Once his handicap rating ruled him out of the Bahrain Turf Series, the King's Cup became the target. And then after he won the Crown Prince's Cup, the possibility arose of winning the 'Triple Crown'. His Highness Shaikh Nasser was keen to have a go and it would be magic if he could complete the hat-trick in the King's Cup."
Shepherd has felt the benefits of success in Bahrain back home in the UK, adding: "I have been surprised by how much attention the wins in Bahrain have received. Isle of Jura has become a flag-bearer for George (Scott) and myself this winter and it has been a real positive for us and I think he can be highly competitive in group races back in Europe this summer."
The lineup challenging Isle Of Jura includes 2023 King's Cup victor Passion And Glory, under the tutelage of Saeed Bin Suroor, alongside two other contenders from the Godolphin stables trained by Charlie Appleby: Dhahabi and King Of Conquest.
William Buick partners with Dhahabi, benefitting from recent outings. The Frankel half-brother to Derby champion Golden Horn secured a victory at Meydan in December, followed by a commendable fourth-place finish in January, narrowly trailing stablemate Siskany. King Of Conquest, piloted by Saffie Osborne, boasts previous Bahrain course success, though over shorter distances. However, he faces a five-month hiatus since his last race at Newmarket in November.
Adding to the international mix is the consistently performing Lucander, under trainer George Baker, while the local contingent is led by Goemon and the in-form Sovereign Spirit.
The race card also highlights the US$80,000 Al Methaq Mile (Listed), featuring international challenger Real World from Godolphin, up against the locally trained Byline, winner of last year's edition. Owned by Al Adiyat Racing, Byline showcased a standout performance on Saudi Cup day, clinching a close third position behind Annaf in the Group 2 race over 1350m.
The King's Cup headlines the 27th and final race meeting of the 2023-24 Bahrain season, promising a thrilling showdown in the race for season-leading owner and jockey titles.
In the owners' championship, Al Mohamediya Racing holds a slender two-win advantage over Victorious Racing. Meanwhile, the jockeys' title race sees Neil Callan narrowly leading with 19 wins, followed closely by Stephane Ladjadj with 18 wins, and Gerald Mosse in third with 16 wins. Fawzi Nass secures the trainers' crown with an impressive tally of 48 winners, followed by Allan Smith in second position.
In a last-minute attempt, Destructive aims for Gr.2 UAE Derby entry on Dubai World Cup night. Under the guidance of trainer Michael Bell, this More Than Ready colt has showcased commendable performances in his two UAE starts despite facing setbacks like a sluggish start in the Listed Al Bastakiya behind Killer Collect.
Addressing the stalls issue, connections are determined to rectify it for Friday's novice event covering 1900m (7:15 pm). Optimism persists that Destructive can prolong his presence in the Emirates until 30th March.
"The plan, ever since he was shipped out to Dubai, was to try and gain entry into the UAE Derby," said trainer's son Nick who has overseen the colt's preparation this winter.
"I thought he ran very well last time considering he missed a beat out of the stalls, and we are going to equip him with a stalls rug on Friday as he was a little fractious in the gates last time.
"Ben Coen breezed him on Monday morning and was very happy with him, but unfortunately, he can't do the weight on Friday, so we have a very able deputy in Pat Cosgrave.
"The only slight negative to Destructive's chance is that run will be his third in quite quick succession. However, we aren't seeing any sign of that in his work which continues to be excellent.
"He is a very good-looking horse that is sound and seems to be improving. I'm looking forward to seeing him run again on Friday."
Stiff Competition Awaits Destructive In Friday's Race
Destructive, who delivered a commendable second-place finish under the Bell operation at Chelmsford last November, faces stiff competition with 14 rivals on Friday. However, luck hasn't favored him, drawing stall 13.
In contrast, El Introvertido enjoys a favorable position in box one. Despite carrying a 4.5kg South American penalty, his experience in handicaps and battle-hardened nature might mitigate the burden.
The son of Treasure Beach narrowly missed victory at Jebel Ali last time and displayed promise in a maiden race before Christmas. With his solid performances, he's anticipated to contend once again.
Guns And Glory, eyeing redemption after falling short against Elyabri at C&D in early February, stands poised for revenge from stall four. Given his yard's impressive form, he could pose a significant threat.
Saeed bin Suroor, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awards for Excellence in Horse Racing, seeks to break his Carnival dry spell in the 1400m 0-85 handicap on the turf.
Bin Suroor presents Wild Tiger, who showed promise in February's outing, trailing Mountbatten closely. Despite falling short by a mere half-a-length, Wild Tiger, a progeny of Frankel, is expected to improve, potentially benefiting from a drop in distance.
Kathab, after lackluster performances earlier this year, receives a chance with a downgrade in both grade and trip. Ali Al Badwawi's Kingman gelding could challenge Wild Tiger.
In the Gr.2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah, contested intriguingly on turf over a mile, participants from Abu Dhabi's Gr.2 Liwa Oasis last month reconvene. Heros De Lagarde, triumphant in the previous race, faces familiar rivals like Ekleel Athbah and AFMaqam. With a promising performance under Connor Beasley, Heros De Lagarde aims to maintain his winning streak.
Emaar Sponsors Competitive Carnival Finale Card
Emaar, a leading property developer, is set to sponsor the culminating event of the Dubai Racing Carnival this Friday. Organized by the Dubai Racing Club, the 14th installment of this season's campaign will showcase nine races, headlined by the prestigious Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah for Purebred Arabians, boasting a substantial purse of AED300,000.
Previously contested over 1600m on turf, this race has witnessed the triumphs of notable champions like Paddys Day and RB Rich Lyke Me. Alongside, the race card features eight Thoroughbred races, including a 75-100 1600m turf handicap with a purse of AED210,000 and a 75-95 1200m turf handicap worth AED190,000. Additionally, a novice event for three-year-olds awaits, showcasing emerging talent over 1900m on dirt. Dubai Racing Club warmly welcomes Emaar as partners for the third consecutive time this season.
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