ADAYAR WILL FACE BAAEED
EXTRA spice has been added to Baaeed’s swansong after
Adayar’s connections plumped for the Champion Stakes at Ascot next month instead of a trip to Paris for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Trainer Charlie Appleby’s call, on account of the forecast ground conditions, sets up last year’s Derby hero for a mouthwatering clash with the unbeaten Baaeed on his final career start.
Absence
Adayar has appeared in rude health after his long absence, landing a comfortable warm-up win at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting earlier this month.
He has been cut to 7-2 (from 5-1) with Coral for the Champion Stakes on October 15.
“Baaeed remains a red-hot 1-4 favourite to end his career unbeaten,” said the firm’s David Stevens.
Champion jockey elect Will Buick, who was set to ride Adayar in the Arc, is now likely to partner Mishriff.
The five-year-old was last seen finishing fourth behind ante-post market leader Luxembourg in the Irish Champion Stakes.
Colin Keane was in the saddle on that occasion, taking over from the injured James Doyle and David Egan, who is no longer retained by Mishriff’s owner Prince Faisal.
France Galop has confirmed a maximum field of 20 horses will go to post for the Arc.
A total of 24 were left in it yesterday, putting the participation of some runners in doubt, including Australian mare Verry Elleegant.
Baseed is unbeaten in 10 starts for trainer William Haggas and owners Shadwell.
“It’s going to be a big day for the horse, Sheikha Hissa, all of us, for everybody,” said Angus Gold, Shadwell’s racing manager.
“Horses like this don’t come around very often. The main thing is to check we get him there in one piece.
“We have three weeks to go and at this time of the year things can change quickly, so we are not taking anything for granted.”