Fifth in the 2012 Dubai World Cup followed by a fourth in the Singapore Airlines International Cup, Zazou stands as the likely favourite in Saturday’s Anatolia Trophy (G2) at Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul. Andreas Suborics will ride for trainer Waldemar Hickst.
The race, contested over 2,000 metres of the all-weather course, has drawn a field of nine, five of which made appearances at the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival. Belgian Bill, second behind Songcraft in a turf handicap at Meydan, gets Patrick Cosgrave. Belgian Bill was second in this race a year ago behind Dordogne. Hunter’s Light starts for Godolphin, frequent supporters of the international meetings at Veliefendi. He was most recently the winner of the Rose of Lancaster Stakes (G3) at Haydock. Frankie Dettori has the mount. Marcret and Prince Alzain round out the former Carnival runners in the field.
Later on the Saturday card, former Tom Dascombe trainee Rhythm of Light goes in the Istanbul Trophy (G2) for fillies and mares. She was fifth behind Mahbooba in the Balanchine (G2) in February.
Master of Hounds, winner of the Jebel Hatta (G1) this season, is among the declarations for Sunday’s Topkapi Trophy (G2) for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.