Trainer George Baker's prized runner, Lucander, leads the charge in an international weekend of racing in Bahrain

Renowned trainer George Baker is all set for an exhilarating weekend, embarking on a jet-setting adventure that will take him from the Middle East to the snowy landscapes of St Moritz. 

His horses, Lucander, Cemhaan, and Cumulonimbus, will compete in two prestigious races, showcasing Baker's expertise in both jurisdictions.

Baker's journey kicks off in Bahrain, where Lucander is slated to participate in the highly anticipated H.H Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup on Friday. The talented horse has already made a name for himself, triumphing in a Turf Series race and delivering an impressive performance in the Crown Prince's Cup. 

Speaking about Lucander's prospects, Baker revealed, 

"He will be running this week in the H.H Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup. Additionally, we have received an invitation for Lucander to stay and compete in the esteemed King's Cup, a coveted race taking place at the beginning of March. We have had a remarkable campaign so far, and I am thrilled to be a part of it".

Baker's attention then turns to the enchanting snowy tracks of St Moritz, where he has previously tasted success. In 2013, his horse Ancient Greece made history by securing three victories on the White Turf, while Wargrave also emerged triumphant on the icy terrain. This year, Baker is excited to introduce Cumulonimbus to his team, a horse owned by Ramiro Restrepo, who played a part in the syndicate that triumphed in the Kentucky Derby with Mage last year. 

Reflecting on the serendipitous turn of events, Baker shared,

"Cumulonimbus is a recent addition to our team. When my wife Candida and I first laid eyes on him at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale in October, we were instantly captivated. However, we believed he had slipped through our fingers when he fetched an impressive 150,000 guineas. To our delight, Ramiro Restrepo reached out to us that very night. Having observed our accomplishments on the frozen lake at St Moritz, he extended an invitation to train Cumulonimbus for the upcoming event".

Not to be overlooked is Cemhaan, a remarkable performer in the UK. With a third-place finish at Royal Ascot last year and a victory in the Heritage Handicap on 1000 Guineas day at Newmarket the previous year, Cemhaan has established himself as a proven horse. Baker expressed his confidence in both Cumulonimbus and Cemhaan, assuring that they have met all expectations and are currently in excellent form and health.

Baker's upcoming weekend promises to be a whirlwind of excitement as he embraces the challenges presented by two prestigious racing events in different corners of the world.