Turgenev heads European contingent in competitive Bahrain International Trophy

1.30 Sakhir
Bahrain International Trophy | 1m2f | 3yo+ | RTV

European runners are well represented in the inaugural running of the Bahrain International Trophy and look to hold stronger claims of landing the £500,000 contest with Turgenev, who chased home subsequent Queen Elizabeth Stakes II winner King Of Change on his last start.

Turgenev's lengthy season has been eventful albeit winless, with the colt running in Derby trials at Epsom and York before a memorable second in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot under Frankie Dettori, who had won the first four races on the card.

However, Turgenev's second-place finishes in the Group 2 Celebration Mile and the Listed Fortune Stakes at Sandown highlight his form credentials for the historic race at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club in Sakhir, which is live on Racing TV.

A crowd of around 3,000 is expected at Friday's first Bahrain International TrophyCredit: Matt Butler

Thady Gosden, pupil assistant to his father John, said of Robert Havlin's ride: "He’s travelled over very well and is enjoying the sunshine, like everyone is. It’s been a target for a while now, we thought it would be fantastic to have a runner here.

"He ran well in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and in the Fortune at Sandown last time over a mile. We’re stepping him up in trip on hopefully a slightly faster and easier track than Sandown."

Turgenev is the joint second-highest rated horse in the field with the Roger Varian-trained Mountain Angel, who was second in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp last month, with sole Group 1 winner Intellogent coming out superior on figures.

Intellogent (noseband): is the only Group 1 winner in the 14-runner fieldCredit: Scoopydyga

Intellogent won the Prix Jean Prat in 2018 but has struggled to produce his best for trainer Fabrice Chappet since, although he is partnered by Arc-winning jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot for the first time this year.

Speaking at Wednesday's draw ceremony, Chappet said: "He’s a horse who is looking after himself. He’s in good form, he likes to travel and we like the challenge. We’ll hope for the best."

Like Turgenev, Mountain Angel has been racing since April and Varian said: "He travelled over very well and has settled in quickly. He cantered this morning [Thursday] and seemed to move well. He's in good condition and I'm very happy with him."

Mountain Angel (right): was a winner at the Investec Derby meeting this yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

King Power Racing's Pivoine has twice crossed the Atlantic this year, most recently to finish fourth, beaten just a length, in the Canadian International at Woodbine.

The Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old will be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa and breaks from stall 13 of 14, but the wide draw is not concerning connections.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to owners King Power Racing, said: "Thirteen is unlucky for some but hopefully lucky for us. The draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem, he’s a hold-up horse so we’ll probably tuck in. He doesn’t like to hit the front too soon.

“He’s been a fun horse and hopefully these are his optimum conditions. The Canadian International stretched his stamina so he’s back to ten [furlongs]."

Royal Hunt Cup winner Afaak, the vastly experienced Aquarium and Paul D'Arcy's new recruit Coolagh Forest complete the strong British contingent, while the locals are not without hope of success on home soil.

The Allan Smith-trained Thorkhill Star is on a ten-race winning streak in Bahrain and will be partnered by James Doyle.

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