Qipco Champion Stakes: Baaeed will compete against a maximum of nine opponents when he attempts to win the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and cap off his undefeated career.
The four-year-old William Haggas-trained horse extended his winning streak to ten when he won the Juddmonte International at York in August, marking his sixth straight triumph at Group One level.
It was briefly discussed whether to increase the distance to a mile and a half for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but in the end, connections decided to continue with 10 furlongs for what will be his final race before being retired to stud.
After a successful exercise on Monday morning, Jim Crowley, who has guided Baaeed to each of his top-level victories, is eager to be on board for the final time this weekend.
I only get the keys on raceday, so I wasn’t on him this morning, but I think he ran really well, the jockey told Sky Sports Racing.
“It’s a legitimate race. Adayar is a Derby and King George champion, and Bay Bridge has likely not yet reached its peak. The others likely have a tonne of work.
“I am anticipating it. We should enjoy a pleasant, dry week with not too much rain.
I anticipated that he would perform at his peak at a mile and a quarter, and at York, he did just that. He hasn’t actually had to run a difficult race; he’s had an easy year overall. On Saturday, I’m sure it’ll be harder.
Dubai Honour, who finished fourth behind his famous stablemate at York, and My Prospero, who last time out won his third race in five starts in a Group Two in France, have also been confirmed by Haggas.
Adayar, who won the King George and Derby last year and destroyed two weaker competitors on his belated comeback at Doncaster, appears to pose the strongest threat to Baaeed.
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