A delightful weekend in Turkey

Every year the weekend in Istanbul that hosts the Bosphorous Cup and the Topkapi Trophy attracts more international runners.

This year there are several German runners as well as the usual entries from England. One of these is

Rockatella in the International Istanbul Trophy on Saturday. She will be up against Godolphin's Antara,

Mick Channon's Music Show and Tom Dascombe's Rhythm of Light.

Also on the Saturday card the Anatolia Trophy is over 2000m on the dirt track. Godolphin have Emirates

Champion in this and George Baker's Belgian Bill will be ridden by German jockey Andreas Suborics for

an even bigger international flavour.

On Sunday the Topkapi Trophy is over 1600m turf with 8 to run. Mike de Kock is racing the Australian

bred Musir in this , Andrew Balding has Dream Eater and Godolphin Invisible Man.

The Bosphorous Trophy has been won before by both Halicarnassus and Indian Days, who return.

Halicarnassus will go to stud in Turkey next year. Godolphin have the frequent flyer Campanologist in this

and Dettori will fly out to ride.