Arabian Hope heads Godolphin’s Turkish challenge on Saturday

Two Godolphin runners, both trained by Saeed bin Suroor, are set to start at Veliefendi, Turkey, on Saturday, September 2.

Arabian Hope, partnered by Gerald Mosse for the first time, goes for the G3 Istanbul Trophy over a mile on turf. 

The three-year-old Distorted Humor filly faded to 10th and last in the G1 Prix Rothschild over the straight mile at Deauville on July 30. 

She showed a good level of form when taking third in the G1 Falmouth Stakes over a mile at Newmarket on July 14 and landing a Listed race over the same distance at York on June 17.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Arabian Hope is doing well. She has run well in G1 company this season when finishing third at Newmarket.

“She disappointed last time at Deauville but has come of that race well and I think this race is right for her. 

“She has been working well and I am looking forward to a good run for her.”

The four other starters in the Istanbul Trophy for fillies and mares include dual local G1 scorer Tatvan Incisi. 

Leshlaa runs in the Anatolia Trophy, a local G2 over 10 furlongs on Polytrack. 

The three-year-old Street Cry colt finished ninth in a mile Polytrack handicap at Chelmsford City on August 15, when he was slow away and did not enjoy the clearest of runs. 

Earlier in the campaign, he was successful in a 10-furlong handicap at Newmarket in May and also took fifth in the mile Britannia Heritage Handicap at Royal Ascot the following month, both on turf. 

He was successful on Polytrack as a two-year-old when capturing a seven-furlong maiden in good style at Kempton Park.

Jimmy Quinn has his first ride on Leshlaa, who faces seven opponents including last year’s victor Belgian Bill and dual French Listed winner Qurbaan. 

Saeed bin Suroor continued: “Leshlaa is in good form. He is improving physically all the time and I think the conditions in Turkey will be suitable for him. 

“I am happy with him and hopefully he can run a nice race.”