HE’S nearly back!
Baaeed, arguably the most exciting horse in training, is primed to return to action at Newbury in May.
Baaeed is an absolute monster and his big return to racing is edging ever nearer
Trainer William Haggas confirmed the news to me earlier today when he said he hoped that would be the track Baaeed would be heading for to take part in the Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge.
Baaeed is unbeaten in six starts for Shadwell Estate Company and ended last term with a terrific defeat of the top class Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. That followed up a success in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.
There’s no doubt Baaeed is an absolute beast, and promises to spearhead a terrific campaign for Haggas as he fields his strongest team to date.
Taking him on at Newbury will be Mother Earth, who returned in winning ways in Ireland over the weekend.
But Mother Earth was well beaten off in fifth in the QEII and will need the fitness edge to make a big difference.
Speaking of being back, I arrived home from the Dubai World Cup in the early hours of Sunday morning after a week in the UAE.
It was the first time I have worked at Meydan and, indeed, been to the track and it was quite an eye-opener.
As a raceday experience it was one of the best I have seen, as the mixture of party atmosphere and big-race-loving crowd was perfectly put together.
Those that wanted to party did so comfortably one of the grandstand, while those who wanted peace could also find it. Entry to the meeting was about £10 which also seemed very fair for a major sporting contest.
On the track Frankie Dettori showed he’s still the best in the business on the big stage, dead-heating on Lord North in the Dubai Turf.
FRANKIE STILL FIRING
Dettori was behind before and after the line, and the only place he could force a dead-heat was on it. That was genius.
The Dubai World Cup was an incredible result for the troubled Bob Baffert.
Baffert used to train the defeated hot favourite Life is Good, but they say revenge is a dish best served cold and this was the ultimate payback as his Country Grammer came good.
For Dettori it was a fourth World Cup, no less than 22 years after his first on board Dubai Millennium back in 2000.
The Italian was on top of the world kissing everyone he could, and when you think he seemed down and out a few years ago it just shows you form in temporary and class permanent when it comes to jockeys.
Dettori probably has five years maximum left in the sport. Whether you like him or not, he will be sadly missed when he hangs up his boots.
On Saturday I picked my jockeys for the Racing League as the captain of the London and the South team and I’m more confident than ever I will win.
LEAGUE OF OUR OWN
I was delighted to get Sean Levey, who was right at the top of my list. I’m a big fan and wanted him because I like him. That he can ride is a bonus.
I also really wished to have David Probert in my team, especially as Andrew Balding is my main trainer.
Alas Probert did not put his name forward for the competition which was annoying.
Some of the teams did not pick female riders, but I wanted to make a point of doing so and am delighted Nicola Currie and Laura Pearson are on the winning team. They haven’t thanked me yet – but they will!
Finally, don’t forget it’s the Grand National in just over a week, and as you will have found during Cheltenham all the best coverage will be in your Favourite at the Sun.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/watch-rita-ora-get-blown-away-by-extraordinary-singing-jockey-robbie-dolan-on-the-voice-australia/
