Diligent Harry and Annaf renew their rivalry in a high-class edition of the Listed BetUK Kachy Stakes (2.37pm) at Lingfield Park on Sunday, February 2.
The duo have met in the six-furlong contest for the last two seasons, with Annaf prevailing narrowly in 2023 and Diligent Harry reversing the form last year when in receipt of 5lb.
Both horses went on to prove themselves in the Middle East following last year’s race. Annaf captured the G2 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia, while Diligent Harry was a creditable third in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup Night.
A seven-time winner on the all-weather, including on Finals Day in 2021 and 2023, Diligent Harry makes his first appearance since contesting a G3 at Newbury in July.
His trainer Clive Cox told Sky Sports Racing: “I am really pleased with Diligent Harry, who has done especially well over the winter. He has really thrived for a break and looks like he has built even more strength through his back and quarters.
“He has run very consistently around Lingfield and goes well fresh. We had a 5lb advantage over Annaf in last year’s race, whereas this time we are on level weights. That said, our official rating [111] sits a pound higher than Annaf.
“We have always had huge admiration for our fella and it was really good to give his owners a great trip over to Dubai – he really excelled in his performance out there. I am really hopeful that, with the right sort of performance on Sunday, we can continue on a similar path to last year.”
Annaf was absent after his victory in Saudi Arabia and returned for an autumn campaign, most recently finishing second to runaway winner Night Raider in the Listed BetUK Golden Rose Stakes at Newcastle in November.
His trainer Mick Appleby told Sky Sports Racing: "Annaf seems in great form. To be honest, I think he has improved from last year. He has been working tremendously, so I am expecting him to go close on Sunday.
“It looks a tough, open race and you could not write off any of the runners. Diligent Harry is very quick and it is just whether we can get close enough to him to be able to peg him back late on. If he gets two or three lengths up on us, it could be hard to peg back around Lingfield.
“Annaf will run on Sunday and then all roads lead to Saudi, where hopefully he can repeat the win from last year.”
A strong lineup includes the Charlie Hills-trained Mitbaahy, who captured the G2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May. The six-year-old makes his first appearance since being gelded and undergoing wind surgery.
Karl Burke’s G3 scorer Marshman has race-fitness on his side, having landed a six-furlong handicap at Newcastle’s AWC Trials Day, his first start following a wind operation.
Misty Grey finished down the field in the same Newcastle race on his first outing for 230 days. David O’Meara’s runner had previously captured a pair of valuable handicaps at Newcastle and Epsom Downs.
