Beaten last time out over 1200m, Happy Craf proved today she is best suited by the 1400m trip. Following the race, Allan Smith spoke highly of the five-year-old and said: “Happy Craf is a lovely mare. She’s a big girl and she’s just got a lot of power. Back over 1400m today she was much happier, that’s her trip. 1200m was just a bit sharp for her last time.”

On future plans Smith added that a possible target at European races this summer could be likely. He said: “I don’t know if we’ll be able to race her again in a Turf Series race as I’m sure the handicapper will put her up again. She’s a horse who we may travel to Europe with through the summer to see if we can pick up something there. Then we’ll probably get her covered and bring her back to our stud.”

Winning jockey Edinson Rodriguez speaks little English and Smith communicates with him via phone apps. Smith said: “Edinson Rodriguez is a lovely guy. We can’t communicate very well but we do it via apps and get translators in to help but he’s a good lad and works hard in the stable. He’s there every morning riding four or five lots.”

It was another winner for the Bahrain based trainers making it six wins out of six in the Bahrain Turf Series so far. Best of the international horses was Koolasice who finished third for Irish trainer Ross O’Sullivan.

Final Finishing Positions:

Al Jasra Cup, 7f

1. Happy Craf

2. Byline

3. Koolasice

4. Shebil Aljazira

5. Sonja Henie

6. Graphite Storm

7. Roman River

8. Yousini

9. Nebo

10. Deep Intrigue

11. Desert Gulf

12. Kinks

13. Ocean Star

14. Coolagh Forest

15. King’s Knight

16. Mission Boy

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