1-2 Bin Suroor Finish in Bahrain International Trophy

When Saeed bin Suroor puts his mind to winning a race on the global stage, he usually succeeds. Such was the case Nov. 18 at Bahrain Turf Club, where he not only won the $713,000 Bahrain International Trophy (G3)—he filled out the exacta with his only two runners. Godolphin's Dubai Future (GB), a hardy three-time listed winner finally breaking through at the group level, collared stablemate Passion and Glory (IRE) to win by three-quarters of a length. It was another two lengths back to French invader Riocorvo (GER) in third and Godolphin France's pace-setting Magny Cours head astern in fourth. Ridden by Danny Tudhope, the winner sat comfortably behind the pace, allowing Magny Cours to bound along. Tipping out at the top of the straight, he followed Passion and Glory's lead and collared Magny Cours in the final quarter-mile. The surging pair prevailing, it was now down to the bin Suroor brace to duke it out and Dubai Future was clearly best. Winning for the seventh time in 25 starts, the homebred 6-year-old gelded son of Dubawi (IRE) and 2014 Orchid Stakes (G3T) winner Anjaz had placed in four prior group stakes, including a third in the Sky Bet York Stakes (G2) at York Racecourse in July. In June, he was an emphatic winner of Royal Ascot's Wolferton Stakes, his best run of the year, but very much needed to improve upon his third last out in Newbury's Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (G3), as well as his eighth from a poor post in this event in 2021. He duly obliged. "Both horses ran a big race," bin Suroor said. "Dubai Future had been here last year, but as soon as he left Bahrain and we took him back to Dubai last year and then won at Royal Ascot, he physically improved. That gave us (confidence) to run him again in Bahrain. I said to (Tudhope) that the horse is a different horse than last year. I told him to keep the horse handy, which suits both horses, and they ran well. First and second—a good result. "(Dubai Future) is a tough horse," he continued. "Even at a mile and a half and a mile and six (furlongs), he has done well. The pace today suited him and he was able to show his good turn-of-foot. "It was great because I tried last year and the year before and didn't have luck, but this year, they ran well. It's great for Godolphin to come to Bahrain and win the Bahrain International. We're happy. We'll run him after this in Dubai." The race was especially meaningful for Tudhope, who was forced to miss the ride on last year's winner Lord Glitters (FR) with a neck injury. "Obviously I was disappointed not be here last year, but it was nice to see the old horse do it. For those connections, he's been a superstar," Tudhope said. "It was great to come back here and Godolphin had a strong hand in this race. I was just delighted that one of them won and it was me. I was hopeful (coming into the race). He's in form and he likes fast going. He's a handy little horse to have and loves whizzing around the bend and the race went to plan. They went an even gallop and he had a nice position and better draw (three) than last year (13). He picked up well and was just doing what he came to do. "Obviously it's great to come abroad and ride winners," Tudhope continued. "They put on a great show here and they look after you so well. I'm just grateful to have won this race." Monty (FR), King David (DEN), Insinuendo (IRE), Royal Fleet (GB), Pensiero d'Amore (IRE), and Dilawar (IRE) completed the order of finish. Winning the race, Dubai Future earned a 'Win and You're In' for the $1.5 million Neom Turf Cup (G3) on Saudi Cup Day.