Graham Harte's Bahrain preview

Published 11.00 - all selections online

An eight-race card takes place today at Bahrain with the feature event His Majesty The King’s Cup due to go off at (4.30). The Group 3 contest is the most prestigious prize on the local racing calendar with a prize fund of $400,000 on offer.

The 12f race has attracted a field of nine runners and last year’s winner Sovereign Spirit will attempt to defend his crown following a fourth-place finish over 10.5 furlongs in the Saudi International Handicap at Riyadh. The six-year-old raced keenly early on before keeping on well from his midfield position to finish just under 4 lengths behind local winner Gran Descans on that occasion.

He should be much happier back on home soil now but he does carry a 3lb penalty for winning the Group 3 Crown Prince’s Cup back in January. Although he has plenty of winning form over today’s distance, he has been hitting the front early in the home straight as of late and might find himself vulnerable at the finish.

Phantom Flight has a couple of verdicts over the defending champion but has shown his best form over slightly shorter than today’s trip in the past. Although he stepped up in class last time out over 10.5 furlongs for the Group 1 Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh back in February it was disappointing that he could only manage a well beaten ninth on the day.

The Fawzi Nass-trained CALIF returned to winning form last time out at today’s venue in a Listed contest over 11 furlongs.

This was his first win in almost two years, but a lot of credit should go to Stephane Ladjadj who rode him for the first time. Held up in rear the veteran pilot showed great patience as he waited for the gaps to appear at the right time without rushing his mount.

He made headway on the outside of the field before getting up to lead inside the final furlong to win by three quarters of a length from the Godolphin-trained Bedouin Prince. Known for finding trouble in running it could be that his French jockey has found the key to him and it is great to see the partnership remain intact.

The handicapper has rated the above three horses as the top-rated contenders on ratings and it is difficult to see the winner come from any of the other six with conditions most likely to suit the selection.