There will be 8 starters in this G1 on Friday over 2000m turf.

Bahrain has been increasing its presence in the other meetings in the region and now it is hosting a G1 turf but 7 of the runners have been brought from the UK and Ireland.  That leaves Fawzi Nass's Calif as the sole local in the field and in the UK is on 14/1 so well worth a bit of each way at least.  He has won a G1 in Germany in his past and will be ridden by Alberto Sanna.

Karl Burke has been having a fantastic year and looks like he may be able to continue it with Royal Champion on 7/4.  James Doyle has the ride.  The other horse that sparked our attention this week is Pride of Arras, Ralph Beckett's runner who is on 5/1 with Tossa Ryan on board.  Lion's Pride on 9/2 could go into the multiples – Gosdens-Havlin the people concerned.

There should be a good crowd on hand as the authorities are easing the travel conditions for people from the Gulf States and the ferry between Doha and Bahrain will now take all passengers.