The stunning Baaeed broke his unbeaten record against eight opponents including last year’s 1000 Guinean heroine Mother Earth in the first group of Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes in Newbury on Saturday afternoon contest.
The stunning Baaeed broke his unbeaten record against eight opponents including last year’s 1000 Guinean heroine Mother Earth in the first group of Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes in Newbury on Saturday afternoon contest.
Baaeed will be looking to join the illustrious list of Lockinge winners, including arguably two of the best mile runners we’ve ever seen at Frankel and Brigadier Gerard.
Also in the field is the real world, who brings his undefeated record on the turf to the party, as well as Andrew Balding’s Group 1 champion alcohol-free ponies.
Bayd
Jockey: Jim Crowley; Coach: William Hagas
William Hagas’ superstar ponies have beaten last year’s Rockinger champion Palace Pier by two out of six at Ascot on Champions Day.
Still relatively low mileage, and worryingly for his opponents, the starfish is likely to have more progress at the age of four.
Seems to be versatile both tactically and on the ground and has the highest rating in the field, so should take all the hits.
chindit
J: Pat Dobbs; T: Richard Hannon
There have been a few underperformance at the highest level, but his comeback of the season continued well when Doncaster beat Tempas.
The last furlong there pulled off nicely, and Richard Hannon’s ponies should have had more to offer, but in proving form, he’s at best fighting for small honors.
Eaton
J: Rosa Ryan; T: Richard Hannon
He looked very smart when he won his first two races (including the three-set Solario Stakes at Sandown).
Taking his place later that season when Dewhurst was beaten, it has been an eventual disappointment since.
His re-emergence struggled when he finished ninth in the handicap at Newbury four weeks ago, and while he could get his career back on track this season, it looks likely he will be at this higher level. Struggling on the level.
New authorization
J: Richard Kingscote; T: Ralph Beckett
He showed good manners as he returned for his first win of the season at Ascot’s Listed Paradise stakes 17 days ago, with four wins from his last six matches.
Looked smart at two and only ran once at three, interesting to see how he progressed this year.
In calm waters, he may be more comfortable.
real world
J: Danny Tudhope; T: Syed bin Surul
Progress has been made throughout the season, culminating in a comfortable win in Group 2 at Longchamp at the weekend at Arc.
The year started in much the same way, winning on Meydan’s turf but getting beaten on the dirt in the last two times of the first group.
It’s five out of five on turf, so should like to go back to this surface, and if so it looks likely to change.
street artist jazz
J: Holly Doyle; T: William Knight
Despite some heroic efforts in defeat, William Knight’s 6-year-old horse is the most exposed in the field, now with 18 consecutive losses, dating back to June 2020.
Finished second in four races last time after a new mandate re-opposed, while the other required a big step forward to be involved.
Sunray Professional
J: Frankie de Tory; T: John and Tadi Gorsden
As Dubawi’s light racing son, he finished fifth in Sandown Group 2, just behind No Alcohol, and his reappearance is encouraging.
It was his first group stage appearance under Frankie de Tori, and it seems entirely possible that he could be involved at a high price if he moves on from that run.
Oisin Murphy celebrates alcohol-free crossing the front lines at Sussex Stakes
Alcohol free
J: Rob Hornby; T: Andrew Balding
The top Group 1 winner Colt was a little disappointed when he reappeared at Sandown three weeks ago.
Tried in the hood there, gave up quickly, if she’s back to her best here, she’ll probably run off somewhere,
Defeated by Baaeed at Ascot Queen Elizabeth II in October.
Ryan Moore rides Mother Earth to victory at The Curragh’s Park Express Stakes
mother earth
J: Ryan Moore; T: Aidan O’Brien
Aidan O’Brien’s tenacious and consistent pony, whose biggest win came at last year’s 1000 Guinness at Newmarket.
This was backed up by winning the Group 1 Rothschild Grand Prix at Deauville later in the season and many heroic efforts in defeat.
Appearing again in The Curragh’s victory, claiming to be close at hand, looks most likely to scare Baaeed.
Lewis’ big game verdict
Superstar Baaeed looks like he’s going to take all the blows here, and it’s clear in terms of ratings.
Still a light game and it’s entirely possible to get more from him, a dire prospect for the opposition.
Godolphin’s Real World and Aidan O’Brien’s Guias champion Mother Earth look the most likely to fill these spots.
Of the potential improvers, Major Shin-Ray looks the most interesting if he can build on San-dang’s re-emergence.
1st place – Bayd
Second – the real world
3rd place – Mother Earth
sporty.
