Spirit Dancer will attempt Group 1 company for the first time in Friday’s Jebel Hatta at Meydan in Dubai.

Owned by Alex Ferguson, the seven-year-old has reached new heights this season, recording three wins in the UK before a victory in the valuable Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy in mid-November. Connections are keen to continue the gelding's progression with further success abroad and will try tougher conditions in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta.

"It's his first Group One and a tough race, a proper Group One and we're looking forward to seeing him run. Everything is going well and he's in great order," said Fahy.

"I'm afraid his owners can't make it this time which is a big shame because I know they were keen to come, but it's just fallen on the wrong day sadly.

"Sir Alex is used to winning, but he gets a good kick out of it, so let's hope he runs well again.

"It was a great day (in Bahrain), a very enjoyable day and it's always great to be a part of these big international meetings and Dubai is exceptional as well, so we're looking forward to it."

Success in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy earned Spirit Dancer automatic qualification in the Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh on 24 February, and Fahy is keen to head back to Saudi Arabia for the race next.

"We're certainly using this as a prep for Saudi and he will maybe just need the run," added Fahey.

"He will stay in the Middle East now for a few months and hopefully also get an invite for Dubai World Cup night.

"We haven't decided yet (which race in Saudi Arabia) and we're just keeping our options open. It's very difficult to get away from a $20,000,000 race but the Neom Cup does look the easier race, so we will speak to the team and see what they think."