Power play likely again for Dettori with Bahrain ace
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Trainer Allan Smith keen to secure Italian’s services for repeat.
Bahrain trainer Allan Smith is confident he can acquire the services of Frankie Dettori again for Dark Power in the 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia next month. The combination teamed up for a shock 66-1 triumph in the near seven-furlong contest in Riyadh 12 months ago, when they left such smart performers as Mubtasim, Glorious Journey and Suedois in their wake. “He’s riding for me this Friday in Bahrain in our Crown Prince’s Cup and I shall have a quiet word, but I’m almost sure he will be on board,” said Smith. Smith fondly recalled the big day in 2020.Dark Power battled it out to take The @stc_ksa 1351 Turf Sprint. Congratulations to all connections @FrankieDettori #SaudiCup pic.twitter.com/03NKSiVGjm
— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 29, 2020
“Dark Power had broken the 1200-metre track record and the 1000m track record in Bahrain before going there,” he said. “We knew he was a quality horse, but we were only racing up against what we had here. “I remember saying to Frankie when I legged him up, ‘don’t forget there’s prize money down to sixth’. He said he wouldn’t forget, but going round the paddock I thought it would take a good one to beat him. He looked every bit the part.” Dark Power has raced little in the last 11 months due to the pandemic, but Smith reports the former Clive Cox-trained gelding to be ready to defend his crown. “He’s had nearly a year not doing too much. We were hoping to run him on World Cup night (in Dubai) when we got back from Saudi, but that was cancelled,” he said. “I didn’t want to get him ready too early this year because we always had this race in mind. “He’s just had two quiet runs, but basically we’ve been trying to keep his weight low as he eats like the proverbial horse.
Dark Power is looking pretty proud of himself
— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 29, 2020#SaudiCup pic.twitter.com/fJCPkEp2er
Shock result! Simsir and Lee Newman deny Global Giant and Sovereign to win the 2020 Bahrain International Trophy for Fawzi Nass! @rehc_bahrain pic.twitter.com/8MsdOuW4Kh
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 20, 2020
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