Graffard happy with condition of Goliath ahead of Amir Trophy bid
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Fri 13 Feb 2026
Francis-Henri Graffard watched his Amir Trophy contender Goliath canter on the turf course at Doha and was full of praise for his condition ahead of Saturday’s $2.5 million feature.
Winner of the 2024 King George at Ascot, Goliath, who races for Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann, was a dual scorer in 2025 including the Group One Grosser Preis von Baden in September.
Though disappointing in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar, the six-year-old bounced back to end the year with a third place behind Sosie and Giavellotto in the Hong Kong Vase.
Graffard explained that after the Sha Tin run he decided to pitch for Doha and the Amir Sword Festival.
He said: “He ran at the Breeders’ Cup and then in Hong Kong, and the race there was really strong. He finished well and I was pleased with him.
“I decided to give him one more race this winter before giving him a break, and this was it.”
Graffard added that Goliath has tightened up since his arrival in Qatar.
He said: “He came with a lot of condition on him but he’s lost a little bit. He worked on the track earlier in the week and the going is quite firm which is what he likes.
“He’s run well on firm, but there’s a good cover of grass. I spoke to Pierre-Charles Boudot before deciding to run, because they had trouble with the track last year. Pierre-Charles has been riding here and is on the favourite (Giavellotto), so he should know.”
It would be a glorious return to Qatar for Graffard, who recalled his previous visit to the kingdom.
“I came here a long time ago with Arab horses when I was in my second year training. But I never came back,” he said.
Charlie Appleby will saddle El Cordobes, who looked in fantastic shape on Friday, galloping seven furlongs on turf under his work rider Jamie Linwood.
Appleby sees the five-year-old as a good prospect for the big mile and a half races in 2026, without going as far as to say he could try to emulate the 2024 and 2025 winner of this race, Rebels Romance.
He said: “Everyone’s happy with him, he’s in good shape, and looking back he put up some solid performances last year including when third in the Breeders’ Cup when he was just behind Rebels (and Ethical Diamond).
“It’s a small field but also the strongest running of this race and my fella is a typical Frankel who has needed time and hopefully will do us proud this season.”
El Cordobes, who is named after a famous bullfighter, gave William Buick a landmark 2000th career winner when landing the Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket last July. He also took out the Grade One Sword Dancer at Saratoga in August.
Marco Botti has brought Giavellotto to Qatar in essence to avoid taking on Horse of the Year Calandagan in Dubai.
“It’s his first run since Hong Kong, he has travelled and is eating well. He’s been everywhere and he loves being away from Newmarket,” said Botti.
“Last year he ran in the Sheena Classic but I think that will be very tough this year with Calandagan in the field. My inclination is to avoid returning to Dubai.
“Since Hong Kong it was always the plan to come here. The turf track looks in very good shape. It’s a high quality race which any one of the seven could win as they are similar on the ratings.
“The going will be good to firm which is fine for our horse. He wants fast ground while he goes well on a right-handed course.”
Related posts
Willie Mullins 2026 Cheltenham Festival Stable Tour
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup: who will win a blockbuster edition?
Henry De Bromhead 2026 Cheltenham Festival Stable Tour
Cheltenham Festival: Gary O’Brien & Ruby Walsh’s Lucky 15s
Dave Nevison's top tips for Taunton on Thursday
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £50 in Free Bets with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved