Can Spirit Dancer defend his $1 million Bahrain International Trophy crown to become the first dual winner of the race?

The Bahrain International Trophy (4.35) has attracted another stellar line-up from across the world and Spirit Dancer's connections believe he has what it takes to become the first dual winner of the race.

The Richard Fahey-trained seven-year-old gave joint-owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done a memorable day when landing the $1 million contest a year ago. He then went on to land an even more lucrative Middle East prize in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia in February.

Spirit Dancer returned from a 196-day absence when seventh in the Darley Stakes last month, but it has been plain-sailing since he arrived in Bahrain ahead of his history-making bid, according to his rider Oisin Orr.

"He was great here last year when things didn't go to plan all week," he said. "He hasn't run an awful lot this year after having a break in the summer, but he's been in good form since he came over this time and we're hoping for a good run.

"Ever since I came over to ride from Ireland he's really stepped up through the grades, and he's probably running at his highest level now."

Last year's third Point Lonsdale and seventh Nations Pride are also back for more, with the latter the leading contender again following his Grade 1 victory in the Arlington Million last time.

Lead Artist out to finally give Gosdens Bahrain joy

The Gosdens have hit the crossbar in the Bahrain International Trophy so far, but they hope Lead Artist can finally make it fourth time lucky for them.

The Clarehaven yard has saddled the runner-up on three occasions since its inception in 2019, including with Israr last year. They rely on the Juddmonte-owned three-year-old this time, who teed up a tilt at this with an impressive win in the Darley Stakes last month.

Lead Artist and Kieran Shoemark exercise during Wednesday morning work

Lead Artist and Kieran Shoemark warming up for the Bahrain International TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

His joint-trainer Thady Gosden said: "It's his first trip abroad and a change of scenery, but he's taken it all in his stride. He's been lightly raced through the year and won over a mile at Goodwood, which was pretty slick. He was then second to a Group 1 sprinter in Kinross at Doncaster over seven furlongs and he improved for the step up in trip in the Darley Stakes.

"He's a horse with plenty of natural speed, which should suit around a nice, galloping turf track like this. It suits European horses very well and hopefully this is the natural next step for his progression."

What they say

Owen Burrows, trainer of Alflaila
He travelled over great. He was here two years ago but didn't quite make it to the race, but we're very pleased with him this time. His win in the York Stakes this summer was muddling as he did well to overcome the slow pace, and he looks as good as ever.

Yann Lerner, joint-trainer of Calif
Last year in this wasn't his best race, but he looks much stronger this time. When I got him at the beginning of the season the plan was to keep him well for this, so we're hoping he'll give everything to win.

Taisei Danno, rider of Yamanin Sympa
I've ridden him out here in work and everything has gone well. We've been enjoying every day so far and we're hoping for a good run.

Francis Graffard, trainer of Andromede
She's in very good shape after acclimatising. She ran very well in the autumn and after her last run on Arc weekend, we were looking for options as she's still going the right way and we got invited to this. We're humble about our chances, but Christophe Soumillon knows her well and it's worth taking our chance.

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