Saeed Bin Suroor to run stable stars in Juddmonte International

Benbatl will seek a third Group 1 win of the year at York next week. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Saeed bin Suroor said on Friday that he plans to run stable stars Thunder Snow and Benbatl in the £1 million Juddmonte International Stakes at York Wednesday.

Bin Suroor is seeking a fifth triumph in the mile and a quarter showpiece,  which forms part of the Middle Distance category of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

It is shaping up into an epic encounter with five other Group 1 winners – Poet’s Word, Roaring Lion, Cracksman, Saxon Warrior and Without Parole – also in the mix.

Thunder Snow will be having his first run since landing the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March. Benbatl was also successful on World Cup night and on his most recent start won another Group 1 contest in Munich.

“They are ready but will have a last piece of work tomorrow – just to blow out before the race,” the trainer said. “But so far I am happy with them.

“I know the race is going to be very tough – the best quality horses are going to run. But both of them are doing well.”

Christophe Soumillon will, as usual, ride Thunder Snow but it is unclear who will partner Benbatl.

The latter Benbatl will be making his second visit to York, having finished runner-up to Permian over course and distance in the Dante Stakes of 2017.

“The horse has really improved physically this year,” said Bin Suroor. “The key for him is that it has got to be good ground, really. He doesn’t like fast ground or soft.  He is doing well. Oisin Murphy rode him last week and he worked really nicely.”