Anatolia Trophy Bid By Tha'ir & Tumbaga

Time/Date - 19.30hrs local time/Saturday, September 5, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Veliefendi/Turkey
Surface/Distance - Polytrack/10f

Godolphin is doubly represented in the local Group Two International France Galop - FRBC Anatolia Trophy over 10 furlongs on Polytrack at Veliefendi, Turkey, on Saturday, September 5, with the Saeed bin Suroor-trained pair of Tha'ir and Tumbaga set to line up.

Tha'ir came home seventh after being eased down when beaten in the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes over an extended 10 furlongs at York on July 25.

The five-year-old New Approach horse was successful in the Listed Ambant Gala Stakes over 10 furlongs at Sandown Park, UK, on July 3 and also won at Meydan, Dubai, on February 12, when he landed a 10-furlong turf handicap.

Four-year-old Tumbaga, by E Dubai, has won both of his starts in 2015. Last time out on June 18, he was the facile winner of a mile Polytrack handicap at Chelmsford City and began his campaign with a cosy length and a half victory in a seven-furlong Polytrack maiden at Kempton Park on May 27.

Saeed bin Suroor said: "Tha'ir has won in Dubai and in England so far this year. This race looks a nice opportunity for him. He has been working well and is ready to go.

"Tumbaga has been unbeaten since he joined me and is doing well. He has been improving all the time and this is a race we have always had in our minds for him. I like him a lot and he is ready to run."

Tha'ir is the mount of Stephane Pasquier, while Harry Bentley rides Tumbaga.

The nine other starters in the International France Galop - FRBC Anatolia Trophy include multiple Listed scorer Grendisar and the leading locally-trained hope Maximus Dream.

Godolphin has won the International France Galop - FRBC Anatolia Trophy with Windhoek (2014), Hunter's Light (2012) and Balius (2009).