The Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket often proves a worthy pointer to the St Leger at Doncaster. Won last year by Doncaster hero Scandinavia, a future stayer could well emerge among the 2026 crop.

GG tipster Joe Napier is on hand with all you need to know for this year’s edition of the Bahrain Trophy and gives his verdict below.

2026 Bahrain Trophy Runners 

Charlie Appleby has an excellent recent record in this race. Del Maro may therefore tick a lot of boxes given he has proven stamina and was beaten only on the nod at Royal Ascot in the Queen’s Vase. He has proven an expensive follow though, winning just once in eight starts.

That came in a novice event at the expense of Point Of Law. The royal runner has since franked that form and nearly overturned it when fourth in the Queen’s Vase, having had to go much wider round the bend than Del Maro. 1m5f may suit slightly better than the 1m6f last time, but that race’s form has some question marks attached with the third having been rated just 83. Galiyan also ran in that race, going off favourite before finishing sixth, but looked to have a better trip than the aforementioned pair. it is difficult to see how he gets his own back here.

Also up for debate is the Epsom Derby fifth of Alderman. On face value, it was a sterling effort by a horse who is still a maiden. Richard Hannon opts against the easy option by pitching him in here, but the Derby has thrown up mixed signals.

Nil Bua Gan Dua is the joker in the pack. His fourth last time out in the Golden Gates Handicap at the royal meeting was a game effort off a decent weight. The winner is potentially useful and he was conceding him 1lb, so while he is not the most obvious horse to go right up in trip, it is very interesting Joseph O’Brien has decided to do just that. The suspicion is the Golden Gates form will work out strongly.

2026 Bahrain Trophy Racecard

Bahrain Trophy Trends 2026

The Bahrain Trophy may be a race in which you follow the trends. Here are four key ones that could be a useful guide.

• Charlie Appleby has won three of the last five winners
• Three of the last five winners have been the favourite, two of those Godolphin runners
• No winner in the last decade has won at bigger than 7/1
• Five of the last ten winners had last run at Royal Ascot, but only two of the last seven

2026 Bahrain Trophy Tips 

The form lines are all slightly muddled in this race, with Alderman’s Derby fifth, though intriguing, difficult to put too much credence behind. The same could be said of the Queen’s vase, so while Nil Bua Gan Dua‘s fourth at Royal Ascot came in handicap company, the feeling is that race will work out well. While not necessarily bred for this distance, it would be unusual for his trainer to misidentify him. Del Maro can uphold Ascot form with Point Of Law given his yard’s record in the race.

FAQ

When and where is the Bahrain Trophy Stakes?

The Bahrain Trophy will take place at Newmarket’s July racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026 at 1.50pm.

How can I watch the Bahrain Trophy on Thursday?

The Bahrain Trophy is live on ITV Racing at 1.50pm on Thursday.

When were the Bahrain Trophy tips published?

The tips for the Bahrain Trophy were published at 2.08pm on Wednesday 8 July.

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