Tag: Baaeed (GB)

Baaeed Camp Mulling Other Options Besides Champion S., Including The Arc

Shadwell's undefeated Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who won the G1 Juddmonte International S. on Wednesday, was set for his career final in the G1 Champion S. at Ascot on Oct. 15, but trainer William Haggas has revealed that September's G1 Irish Champion S. and the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris at the beginning of October are also in the mix.

Speaking to ITV Racing on Thursday afternoon, the trainer said, “I was thrilled to bits, I watched it home last night with Maureen [Haggas] and it was a great watch.

“Ultimately the decision is with Sheikha Hissa and I'm sure it [Arc] will be discussed and every option is open–it's got to be after what he did yesterday.

“We'll see what evolves. I think the only chance of seeing him more than once [before retirement] is if he doesn't go for the Arc and goes Irish Champion and Champion. I think you'll only see him once [more] in England, but as I say it's not my decision. We'll discuss it and as long as the horse is OK all options are still open.”

Haggas did provide an update on his 10-for-10 stable star to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, and added, “He seems fine, he's trotted up good–he's lost a bit of weight but we're happy with him and very proud.

“I'm open to suggestions, that's always been our plan to go to Ascot but plans can change. I'm not saying for a minute they're going to, but the only thing I will say is it's nearly two months now to Champions Day and that's quite a long time.”

“That's the perfect fit if he was to have another race, so that's obviously open for discussion,” Haggas said of the Sept. 10 Irish Champion S. “He's in the race and we'll just see what happens but he'd have to be in pretty rude health to be going to Ireland, so we shall see.”

Shadwell's Angus Gold told Sky Sports Racing on Thursday, “It was always William's plan to end up at Ascot. Obviously, there was a lot of talk about the Arc yesterday and would we consider that.

“I spoke to Sheikha Hissa briefly after the race and asked if she would even be thinking of the Arc, but she said she thought it best to stick to William's plan and end up at Ascot so for the moment we'll stick with that.

“I'm sure she will talk to her family when she gets home and there'll be another discussion, but that is what she said yesterday and unless William changes his mind I'm sure that is what she'll want to do.”

Since taking the G1 Prix du Moulin and G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. in 2021, the bay added the G1 Lockinge S., G1 Queen Anne S., and G1 Sussex S. in May, June and July, respectively. The International was his sixth consecutive Group 1 victory. The colt has now been awarded a rating of 135 off of that effort, third to only Frankel (GB) and his own sire (136) since the rankings began 18 years ago.

The BHA Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill said, “I will be raising Baaeed seven pounds from 128 to 135 for his success in the Juddmonte International yesterday–a figure only bettered by Frankel and Sea The Stars since the inception of the World's Best Racehorse Rankings in 2004.”

The post Baaeed Camp Mulling Other Options Besides Champion S., Including The Arc appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Ebor Week Begins with Baaeed

Ten years on from that momentous day when Frankel (GB) moved a nation, York's Knavesmire has a scenario fit to mark the anniversary as Shadwell's Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) goes onwards and upwards in the G1 Juddmonte International. Just as the great gift afforded to the late Sir Henry Cecil entered unknown territory traversing an additional two furlongs and 56 yards that afternoon, so too does the colt that has come to represent the bridge between the legacy of the departed Sheikh Hamdan and his daughter Sheikha Hissa. On paper, stamina beyond a mile is as of little concern as it was for Khalid Abdullah's deity, but after so many freakish displays at a mile it is his to prove. Luckily, the always cautious William Haggas is unconcerned on that score. “He just does what he needs to do, rather like his father, and I don't think the trip will be a problem,” he said. “We think he might be better at that trip and let's see what happens, it's what it's all about.”

The Knavesmire Appreciation Society

   Betting on the Juddmonte International is of no consequence this year, as it was in 2012 when all who gathered on York's expanse were there just to witness the passing through of the one of the modern racing greats. After the Southern tracks have had their fill, it is time for Shadwell's best performer beyond sprint trips for some time to grace the renowned Yorkshire venue and provide the county with the opportunity to bear witness to his prowess.

There is nothing in this flat, speed-favouring terrain that should hold any fears to a performer who has been able to explode into life on the undulations of Goodwood and Newmarket and over the stiffer concourse of Ascot. If anything, his effort in the May 14 G1 Lockinge S. at the similarly even track of Newbury was his most deadly to date and York could be his ideal playing field.

Where Are the Weaknesses?

William Haggas is right to point to the similarities between Baaeed and Sea The Stars, with the father and son identical in the way they could and can turn it on at any point. Bred to be a mile-and-a-half-plus horse, the current world leader is also armed with an abundance of fast-twitch fibres which have served him so well over a mile. His sectionals at Royal Ascot were astonishing, but there is going to be rain from Tuesday evening onwards and there is also the fact that two of his stablemates Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) and Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) have returned dirty scopes in the last few days. Angus Gold is taking a step back from undue worry. “I've heard they've had two and a half millimetres and unless they have a three-hour storm, I can't see it is going to make too much difference to the ground and we'll take what we're given,” he said. “As far as I know, when I spoke to William last he's fine. They scoped him and he's clear. Like you and I though, if something is brewing, you're not going to perform at your best. So hopefully it is not, but until we know otherwise there's no point making a thing about that. So far, all the tests have been good and he goes there in as good form as we can have him.”

Mishriff Magic Or Misdemeanour?

Twelve months ago, Prince Faisal's Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) was in domineering mood here for his finest hour on turf and, while his four subsequent runs have yielded only one up-to-standard effort, it could be that this track brings out the very best in him. Along with that, the 5-year-old has developed a tendency to give away ground at the start which almost certainly cost him the Eclipse and ruined any conceivable chance in the King George. Thady Gosden is keen to be part of the combined stress test for Baaeed in this new discipline. “It's interesting and Baaeed is obviously brilliantly talented. He relaxes well and you would be shocked if he didn't get the trip, but he's taking on top class mile-and-a-quarter horses and I think it's fair to say that it's a stronger division than the miling division at the moment,” he said. “Mishriff seems to be in similar form now as he was when he went to York last year. He ran a huge race in the Eclipse and was perhaps unlucky there. His work gives us a pretty good measure of where he's at and he's in very good form. Whatever happens, it's going to be an exceptional race.”

How Will It Play Out?

   Stamina will be required on Wednesday, with Ballydoyle's High Definition (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) on hand to try and draw the sting from his rivals on the front end as he almost did at The Curragh when narrowly denied in the May 22 G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. That performance suggests the once much-vaunted 4-year-old is not too far below this level and if gifted too much of a lead may prove difficult to reel in at a track which has always favoured front-runners. Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) would probably be best-served by being placed near the front, with his stride length particularly advantageous at this track. Trainer Charlie Appleby, who suffered a disappointing reversal on Sunday as Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) dipped below his best in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois, has a direct line to Baaeed through the G1 Sussex S. runner-up Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). “Baaeed is top-class with an outstanding profile, who holds everything in front of him, but we feel we have the right horse to take him on and make a race of it,” he said. “Native Trail's work has been great. The condition of this horse is second to none. He is thriving, you can see that in him as an individual. You ask, and he delivers.”

Classic Dreams At Stake

   With the St Leger just over three weeks away, the time is nigh for any latecomers on to the scene for the Doncaster Classic to show their wares. York's G2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur S. is a select affair this time, with Godolphin looking to strengthen their hand having already enjoyed G3 Gordon S. success with the ante-post favourite New London (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Fellow Charlie Appleby trainee Secret State (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a son of the demoted 1000 Guineas winner Jacqueline Quest (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and half to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Line Of Duty (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), has achieved the notable feat of winning the kind of 3-year-old handicaps at Royal Ascot and Goodwood that are hotbeds for future pattern-race performers. The re-opposing Deauville Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who was getting four pounds from him when a head second in the Royal meeting's King George V S. June 16, has since been runner-up under a penalty to New London at Goodwood but Appleby is keen to wait and see when it comes to Secret State's Leger credentials. “We are lucky to have New London, who is currently favourite for the St Leger, which has always been his target. As for Secret State, we will make a decision regarding his trip after the Voltigeur,” he explained. “There's a question mark over whether he would get a strong one-mile-six. We will see in time.”

El Bodegon Back On Home Soil

James Ferguson may have Deauville Legend, but he is also in the enviable position of saddling El Bodegon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the Voltigeur and any significant rain will aid his cause. Five of his last six starts have come in France, with wins in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and G3 Prix de Conde last term followed by placings in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club and G1 Grand Prix de Paris. “He hasn't won in England since Sandown and people forget what happens abroad,” his trainer said of the flagbearer, whose one outing in that period resulted in a deflating seventh in the G2 Dante S. here May 12. “His last two runs have been very solid and back up to the level we know of him. He is very tough and he proved last time out in the Grand Prix de Paris that he stays a mile and a half no problem. He has been good from day one, while Deauville Legend has been getting progressively better and better and at the moment the plans are for them both to end the season down in Australia and this is the perfect stepping stone for both of them.”

Acomb Appetiser

There is a fascinating renewal of the G3 Tattersalls Acomb S. before the big two races on day one, with Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Local Dynasty (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in action just 12 days after his impressive debut over this seven-furlong trip at Newmarket. A relative of the sire's Yibir (GB), who came to the fore in the Voltigeur last year, and Wild Illusion (GB), he showed he was able to run fast in the closing stages of his racecourse bow but has no soft touch here. Even faster is the July 7 Doncaster maiden winner Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who gave Local Dynasty's TDN Rising Star stablemate Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) a scare also over six furlongs at Newmarket July 29. A half-brother to the speedy Asymmetric (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) from the family of Wunders Dream (Ire) (Averti {Ire}), he could be a pure sprinter and this test will tell Jane Chapple-Hyam more.

Classic Prospects On Trial

The Acomb has at least three other juveniles who could conceivably shape up into Guineas types, with Juddmonte's Chaldean (GB) (Frankel {GB}) particularly appealing after beating three subsequent winners over this trip at Newbury July 15. Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon said of the Andrew Balding-trained 550,000gns half-brother to the G2 Mill Reef S. scorer Alkumait (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), “He is a horse that Andrew likes. This has been the plan since he won his maiden. He is quite a late foal, so he is still developing and hopefully there is a bit more improvement to come. He is not a big horse, but he is progressing and I would imagine in the second half of the season he is hopefully going to be rocking and rolling.” Edward Bethell has a big week ahead and it starts with Fiona Carmichael and Ballylinch Stud's exciting Oviedo (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who showed the kind of gears needed for this level when scoring on his sole start over this trip at Doncaster July 21. One of a few with stamina in his pedigree, his dam is a half to two talents in Chriselliam (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Lope De Vega's Very Special (Ire).

A Hectic Start?

Also in the mix for the Acomb is Highclere's July 16 Newbury six-furlong novice winner Hectic (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), an imposing Richard Hannon-trained colt running in the same colours as last year's surprise winner Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). “I watched him work at the weekend and he worked very nicely and looked great,” Highclere's managing director Harry Herbert said. “It's a race we won last year with Royal Patronage and were second in the year before with Spycatcher–we know when you go there you're taking on some very highly-regarded rivals. We will throw him in the deep end and hope he runs well, certainly his home work has been impressive and his debut was outstanding when he made all at Newbury and went away again when they pressed him. He's always been considered a very nice horse and we're excited to see him move up to this level.”

 

The post Ebor Week Begins with Baaeed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Seven Declared For York’s Juddmonte International

Seven contenders will go forward for Wednesday's G1 Juddmonte International S. at York after final declarations were confirmed Monday morning. Shadwell's all-conquering Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), undefeated through nine starts to date, will seek to take his record to a perfect ten in the £1,000,000 10-furlong feature and will break from stall six. Guaranteed to start as the odds-on favourite for his first attempt at beyond the one-mile trip, his rivals are headed by Prince Faisal's globetrotting Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), who has not tasted success in four starts since administering a six-length beating to Baaeed's stablemate Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in last year's renewal. Mishriff will exit from the five hole while Alenquer has drawn gate two. William Haggas is confident Baaeed will take the increased distance in his stride and said, “We've always felt he'd be better over further, but we've got a few people emailing us and casting doubt on whether we should be doing it. I'm looking forward to it, Sheikha Hissa is up for the challenge and I think it would be remiss of us not to give it a go. There's nothing I can do about the competition on the day and if the Mishriff of last year comes to York in the same form he'll be incredibly difficult to beat. He was unbelievably impressive that day. Mishriff ran a very, very good race in the Eclipse and a little bit of a lacklustre race in the King George, so who knows which one will turn up. He'll be a danger as will the others.” Haggas has also declared last year's G1 Champion S. runner-up Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), who was beaten a nose by Sir Busker (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) in last month's G2 York S. over course and distance. They have drawn stalls three and one. Godolphin's G1 Irish 2000 Guineas hero Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who finished a head behind Mishriff in Sandown's G1 Coral-Eclipse last month, is the Classic generation's lone representative in the field and will bid to register a fourth win at the highest level in his second try at the distance. He has been allocated stall four. The field is completed by Ballydoyle's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup and G1 Coronation Cup placegetter High Definition (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who will start at long odds from the outside berth.

The post Seven Declared For York’s Juddmonte International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Baaeed Powers To Impressive Sussex Triumph

It takes a real good one to make Goodwood's G1 Qatar Sussex S.–a “Win And You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile–look like a piece of strong work, but then all who assembled on the Downs on Wednesday have come to expect nothing less by now from Shadwell's stellar miler Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Like the champions Rock of Gibraltar (Ire) and Frankel (GB), who stopped off here as they devoured group 1s, the peerless homebred is almost running his own virtual reality race against them by now. The best that has passed through the able hands of William Haggas, the 1-6 shot was able to garner another prize at these heights without a hint of stress as his adoring owner Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum glowed with pride.

Kept wide and out of any potential bother that can afflict even the most talented at this venue, Jim Crowley asked him to shut down the brave front-running Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) heading to the furlong pole and the result was settled in customary rapid fashion. That sprinter's pace he displayed so flagrantly at Royal Ascot took him to the line 1 3/4 lengths to the good over the 3-year-old Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), despite his rider revealing that he had switched off in front. Last year's winner Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) could not land a blow this time, 1 3/4 lengths away in third as she denied the Japanese raider what would have been a worthy placing by a short head.

“That was some feeling, it really was,” Crowley said. “He came into the race between the three and the two unbelievably–he just cruises into it. The race went perfectly and if anything, he shut down when he hit the front so I gave him a couple of taps today. You can see from his demeanour after the race, it takes nothing out of him–he hardly blew. He's a horse of a lifetime and it's a testament to the breeding operation. For sure, he's the best I've ridden–he's something else.”

 

While the clock had already told us that Baaeed had star material before his emergence at the 2021 Qatar Goodwood Festival, the dynamic colt we now know really emerged here with a 6 1/2-length rout which acted as a springboard to his first assignment at this level in the Prix du Moulin. Comfortable in success in that ParisLongchamp feature, there was not enough in his performance to convince all that he could subdue Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the Queen Elizabeth II S. but on Champions Day he had the sharper acceleration of the two. This is not a family that stands still and the winter months benefitted him so well that he was able to enjoy a procession in the Lockinge. While the Queen Anne was more of a test due to the ride given to the classy Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), it only served to draw out his ability to perform radically-quick sectionals when most at this trip are tying up.

Anchored towards the back throughout the early stages of this contest which was shaped by the enterprise of Ryusei Sakai on the 66-1 shot Bathrat Leon, he matched strides with Alcohol Free until leaving her behind heading to the cutaway. While the filly was a touch snared in traffic towards the rail, Baaeed's sheer athletic edge was already telling and as he went beyond recall it was left to Modern Games to give closest pursuit. The fact that the runner-up was able to get to within two lengths of the winner at the line makes the loss of Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) the race's only downside, but the way Baaeed operates puts the pondering of any other outcome into the realms of fantasy.

Now on five straight group 1 wins alongside former turf giants Dubai Millennium (GB), Enable (GB), Giant's Causeway and St Mark's Basilica (Fr), it is on to number six at York as he goes up more than two furlongs for the Aug. 17 Juddmonte International. “I don't see ten furlongs being a problem for him,” his rider added. “He's had an easy time and William can give him a lovely run-in to York now.”

Haggas, a proud Yorkshireman, holds the Ebor week in which the Juddmonte International is encased as close to his heart as any of the great British festivals. He can now relish the lead-up to Baaeed's next examination over an extended 10 furlongs which looks more straightforward after some notable defections over the past week or so. “Today was a big day, but I'm really looking forward to stepping up to ten furlongs, as I think he would enjoy it. We'll go for the Champion Stakes or the QEII, depending on how he gets on at York. It's a relief and we've got him for two more races after this, so let's just enjoy him and make the most of him.”

Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum summed up the emotion of the moment. “For me, and for my family, he means the world,” she said. “He's from the lineage that my father worked hard on and he's a pleasure to have. He has a very calm exterior and loves his work, so that's nice to see from a horse person's perspective. I'm very excited to see him at York–he's ready for a mile and a quarter.”

Charlie Appleby said of Modern Games, who was back at his optimum trip over which he won the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains, “He is like his father–he goes down on his sword. Everyone said to me you've got your substitute, but he is no substitute–he has won a Breeders' Cup Juvenile and a French Guineas. I would like to have a few more substitutes like that! He will either go to Canada or Keeneland and then you will see him in Kentucky for the Breeders' Cup Mile.” William Buick summed it up when adding, “It was a race for second and Modern Games came second, so we are delighted.”

Alcohol Free's trainer Andrew Balding commented, “She has run a marvellous race. I thought Rob Hornby did a beautiful job of getting her to settle. She was checked at a crucial stage, but she would not have got anywhere near the winner. However, despite losing some momentum, she has put her head down and stayed on right the way to the line. William Haggas couldn't believe how much she had developed, as you sort of miss it when you see her every day. She has really developed into a fantastic-looking racemare and we are thrilled with her.”

“I am leaving future plans up to Jeff [Smith],” Balding added. “We have entered her in everything over six furlongs up to a mile at group one level. The filly will tell us to a certain extent, but anything is possible. It could be France, the Matron Stakes or the Haydock Sprint Cup. She owes us nothing, but she is thriving at the minute, but as soon as we think she has had enough, that will be that.”

Following the outcome of Saturday's King George, it is with even greater disappointment that the sport has been denied the prospect of seeing Baaeed's full-brother Hukum (Ire) back up his ready G1 Coronation Cup defeat of Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}). Also successful in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold and a trio of group 3 races over 12 furlongs or more, it is a foregone conclusion on a pedigree basis that Baaeed will eat up the mile-and-a-quarter-plus of the Juddmonte International.

The dam Aghareed (Kingmambo) won over that trip in the Listed Prix de Liancourt and is a daughter of Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) who achieved champion grass mare status with wins in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf and Flower Bowl Invitational. With reference to Height Of Fashion's trio of Nashwan, Nayef and Unfuwain, it is a surprise that the freakish Baaeed possesses what is effectively sprinting speed and that will be a rare weapon at York in three weeks' time. Aghareed also has the unraced 3-year-old filly Zaghaareed (GB) (Intello {Ger}), 2-year-old colt Naqeeb (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and yearling colt by Night Of Thunder (Ire).

Wednesday, Goodwood, Britain
QATAR SUSSEX S.-G1, £1,000,000, Goodwood, 7-27, 3yo/up, 8fT, 1:37.74, g/f.
1–BAAEED (GB), 136, c, 4, by Sea The Stars (Ire)
     1st Dam: Aghareed, by Kingmambo
     2nd Dam: Lahudood (GB), by Singspiel (Ire)
     3rd Dam: Rahayeb (GB), by Arazi
O/B-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd (GB); T-William Haggas; J-Jim Crowley. £567,100. Lifetime Record: 9-9-0-0, $2,635,010. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Modern Games (Ire), 128, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Modern Ideals (GB), by New Approach (Ire). O/B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby. £215,000.
3–Alcohol Free (Ire), 133, f, 4, No Nay Never–Plying, by Hard Spun. (€40,000 Wlg '18 GOFNOV). O-J C Smith; B-Churchtown House Stud (IRE); T-Andrew Balding. £107,600.
Margins: 1 3/4, 1 3/4, SHD. Odds: 0.17, 12.00, 11.00.
Also Ran: Bathrat Leon (Jpn), Angel Bleu (Fr), Chindit (Ire), Order Of Australia (Ire). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

The post Baaeed Powers To Impressive Sussex Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights