Dubai: Toormore and Maftool head a strong team of Godolphin horses being aimed at the annual Turkish International Races at Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul this weekend.
Trained by Richard Hannon, Toormore takes on seven rivals as he bids to atone for his defeat in the €459.000 (Dh1.87 million) International Topkapi Trophy (G2) 12 months ago on soft ground that did not suit.
A four-year-old colt he has raced four times this year winning the Group 2 Lennox Stakes on his last but one outing at Goodwood.
Godolphin also appear to have a leading chance in the €306.000 Group 2 Bosphorus Cup with Maftool, who is trained by veteran handler Saeed Bin Surour.
Winner of the UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3) at Meydan in March Maftool was sixth of 11 to impressive Time Test in the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
“He’s come back very well from his last race and will like the trip,” Bin Suroor said. “He has a fair chance.”
The Luca Cumani-trained Connecticut and Hannon’s Windshear are other noteworthy international hopefuls.
Bin Surour also saddles the promising Steady Pace in the Group 3 Trakya Trophy for three-year-olds.
Sunday’s card also features the €76.500 Group 2 International IFAHR Trophy for Purebred Arabians.
Meanwhile, the showpiece race in Europe is the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Baden at Baden Baden in Germany while Longchamp hosts a trio of Group 3 races - the Prix de Lutèce. Prix la Rochette and Prix du Pin (3.10pm).
Godolphin are also represented in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby at Del Mar by the Eoin Harty-trained Crittenden.
