"Exciting Racing Action Highlights Friday's Event Schedule"
Join us this Friday for an exhilarating day of racing, featuring the prestigious Bahrain International Trophy and thrilling jump events across Newcastle, Southwell, and Wolverhampton, promising unforgettable moments for all racing enthusiasts.
Friday is set to deliver an exciting display of both flat and jumps racing, highlighted by the Bahrain International Trophy, which will take the spotlight alongside events at Newcastle, Southwell, and Wolverhampton. The action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, as fans anticipate whether Spirit Dancer, co-owned by the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson, can replicate the success it achieved last year.
Last year, Spirit Dancer's victory in the Bahrain International Trophy rekindled memories of Ferguson's legendary moments on the touchline at Old Trafford. This time, the John and Thady Gosden-trained Lead Artist appears ready to pose a serious challenge, boasting impressive Darley form. At the same time, Charlie Appleby's Nations Pride aims to amend his seventh-place finish from 2022.
Adding more excitement, Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale will reduce his race distance by a mile following a challenging season that featured a victory in the Ormonde Stakes. Also in the mix is Alflaila, the winner of the York Stakes, while the Japanese contenders, Killer Ability and Yamanin Sympa, bring an international dimension to an already competitive field.
Set for 4:35 PM, the Bahrain International Trophy has rapidly established itself as a highlight in the flat racing calendar, and this year's event is expected to deliver an exhilarating spectacle.
At Newcastle, Sandy Thomson's Benson, a six-time winner over hurdles, aims for his first victory over fences in the 1:20 PM Handicap Chase. Following a commendable return at Hexham, he is anticipated to present a strong challenge. Partnered with Richie McLernon, Coqolino is a reliable competitor who has finished as a runner-up in two consecutive races, and he’s looking to secure his initial win over fences.
The highlight of Southwell's schedule is the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap Hurdle set for 3:18 PM, featuring the in-form Barrons Land, who comes off consecutive wins at Worcester and Sedgefield. Additionally, Jennie Candlish’s Froheretoeternity is on the hunt for a hat-trick in the mares’ division at 1:55 PM, further emphasizing the strong undercard at Southwell.
The evening's events move to Wolverhampton, where the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap (7:00 PM) features two contenders on a hat-trick quest facing off against each other. Michael Appleby's Straight A, a recent narrow winner at Southwell, is anticipated to excel over this longer distance, while Ciotog comes in with two consecutive victories and solid all-weather performance at this course and distance. Risen Again, making his first appearance for Alice Haynes, introduces an element of unpredictability, ensuring that this handicap finale will be a must-watch.
As Spirit Dancer aims for victory at the forefront of a busy day of racing, spectators can expect an exhilarating experience. Whether it's the international charm of Bahrain, the determination seen in jumps racing at Newcastle and Southwell, or the strategic contests on Wolverhampton's all-weather track, Friday promises a racing event that showcases the sport on a worldwide platform.
