Fev Rover all primed to tackle powerful Godolphin battalion in Bahrain showpiece

Friday: 1.00 Sakhir
Bahrain International Trophy (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo+ | RTV/Sky

In three short years, the Bahrain International Trophy has established itself, and by default its host nation, as an enriching addition to the international racing calendar.

With great prize-money comes greater competition and the quality on offer this year is more akin to a Group 2 than its recently anointed Group 3 status according to trainer Richard Fahey.

With a glittering prize-fund of £500,000, it is easy to see why many of Europe's top trainers, jockeys and owners are attracted to a spot of warm-weather travelling as turf racing back home winds down for the year.

Ten of the competitors in the field, which was reduced to 13 after the formerly Mark Johnston-trained Qaader was declared a non-runner on Tuesday, hail from Europe with horses from England, Ireland, France and Germany all set to compete in a race which will be broadcast to 130 countries around the world.

Barney Roy canters on the turf at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in preparation for the International Trophy on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Typically for a race of international flavour, it is Godolphin and Charlie Appleby who appear to hold the strongest hand.

The year's top trainer in Britain saddles Meydan Group 2 winner and ante-post favourite Zakouski – who recently returned with an effortless Listed success at Newmarket – and seasoned Group 1 performer Barney Roy, with fellow Godolphin-owned stars Magny Cours, for Andre Fabre, and Saeed bin Suroor's Dubai Future forming a formidable blue wall for Godolphin.

Fahey has travelled over with his 1,000 Guineas third Fev Rover and the leading northern trainer is excited to be saddling his first runner in Bahrain.

"Everything is spot on for her, it's just a stronger race than I'd have liked. It's a Group 2 really," said Fahey of Fev Rover, who will race beyond a mile for the first time. "I've always wanted to step her up in trip but it just never happened until now. She definitely wants this trip and has been crying out for it."

Lambourn trainer Charlie Hills saw Afaaq finish fourth in the first running of the International in 2019 and is back for more this year with Pogo.

He said: "We're drawn 11 which I don't think is too bad with a long straight to the first turn and he's normally good from the gates. I'm sure there will be plenty of pace. The track should suit and it's downhill a lot of the way so if a horse is ever going to get a mile and a quarter, it's here."

The 2019 Queen Anne winner Lord Glitters returns after finishing fifth in the race last year and trainer David O'Meara said: "He seems in good form. Stall 12 I think will be okay, there seems to be a lot of pace in the race which Lord Glitters likes. A 3lb penalty might be tough, but we're hopeful we'll finish off the race well and get some prize-money."

Cadillac represents Jessica Harrington and Irish interest and Deauville Group 3 winner Penja makes her first start for German handler Andreas Suborics.

The race has attracted the cream of the crop in terms of jockeys too, with Frankie Dettori, William Buick, James Doyle, Shane Foley and Mickael Barzalona among a stellar cast in town.

They will need to be at their best, though, to get the better of Lee Newman, a Scotsman who pinched last year's running with a terrific front-running display on Simsir to record a memorable victory in the race for local trainer Fawzi Nass.

Newman resumes his partnership with the trainer courtesy of Emperor Of The Sun, who was last seen finishing down the field in the Prix du Cadran for Donnacha O'Brien.

What they say

Fawzi Nass, trainer of Naamoos and Emperor Of The Sun
This is the absolute minimum trip Emperor Of The Sun would manage. Lee [Newman, jockey] rode him for the first time on Tuesday morning and his feedback was good. Naamoos showed a lot of promise early in the season with Mark Johnston. He's been here around six weeks, so he has adapted to the conditions.

Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for Andre Fabre, trainer of Magny Cours
He's in good form and travelled over well. He needs a fast pace and will come to the fore at the end.

Andrew Nevin, owner of Victory Chime
I think he'll like the track because he likes Epsom and over on the far side it dips down here too. It would be nice to be competitive.

Andreas Suborics, trainer of Penja
She has a good draw and will love the fast ground. We're confident she can perform well and we would be happy being in the first four.

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