SO just how good is Baaeed now he’s a Group 1 winner?
And is he an out and out miler? This is The Monday Yeeehaaa!
So at face value you could call Baaeed – the William Haggas-trained unbeaten son of Sea The Stars – workmanlike in defeating Order Of Australia and Victor Ludorum in Sunday’s Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
But first impressions might only tell half the story here.
Baaeed has outclassed his rivals to date on the bridle. This time he came off the bridle and found plenty. That’s good news.
The time was slow. I suspect that didn’t suit Baaeed, who is bred to stay further and often does his best work in the final furlong of his mile events.
Then there is the opposition. Order of Australia and Victor Ludorum are not world beaters, but the former has beaten many in the world in a Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Victor is a Group 1 winner and was only beaten two lengths by Mishriff in the French Derby. Fourth home Snow Lantern is also a Group 1 winner, and while she didn’t seem to run her race she’s no mug.
So the chances are Baaeed is miles better than we saw Sunday. And that means he could be a monster.
Long term I wonder if his very best, though, might be over a mile and a quarter. Time will tell. But that’s my prediction.
Over at Haydock on Saturday, Emaraaty Ana gutsed it out from Starman in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup for Kevin Ryan and Andrea Atzeni.
A big win for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and breeder Rabbah Bloodstock.
It was one of those races where I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking Starman was the most talented horse but he didn’t win.
In those circumstances you have to say to yourself why?
When Starman landed the July Cup the hill close to the finish played to his strengths – two furlongs out he was under the kosh.
At Haydock, on fast ground that produced a really quick time, he came off the snaff early and took too long to get going, failing by a diminishing short head to get up.
I wonder if in similar conditions he needs some headgear to sharpen him up. That’s not anything to do with being genuine, just to help him travel in his races.
From a stallion point of view connections might not be keen, but Tom Marquand needs some help from the horse.
It’s a huge week with the St Leger and Irish Champions weekend ahead – all the big races are on ITV so enjoy. Yeeehaaa!
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