Baaeed tackling the 10
THE brilliant Baaeed bids to remain unbeaten as he tackles 10 furlongs for the first time in the Juddmonte International at York.
Widely recognised as the best since Frankel, William Haggas’ son of Sea The Stars has the chance to replicate his esteemed sire by taking the step up to a mile and a quarter in his stride when he bounds up the Knavesmire.
Victory today would take the four-year-old’s winning streak to a perfect 10, while it would also be his sixth straight success at Group One level as attempts to cement his place as world number one.
To do so, he has to match the achievements of some of the modern-day greats and turn a fiercely competitive Group One, steeped in history, into a procession.
Stamina
It is 10 years since Frankel made light work of his first attempt at the distance when sauntering to a seven-length success, and devotees of the sport are set to make the pilgrimage to the Knavesmire once again as Baaeed puts his stamina to the test.
“It’s well documented the trip is the one part of the jigsaw we don’t know the answer to,” said Angus Gold, owner Shadwell’s racing manager.
“I’ve gone on record as saying I’ll be amazed if it is a lack of stamina that gets him beat. There might be a better horse, but I would be surprised if it is a lack of stamina.
“Of course you don’t know until you try and I’m very interested in the opinion of some people I respect greatly who have said he’s never going to stay the trip — which surprises me greatly.
“But he’s a very relaxed horse and his style of racing will give him every chance.
“His full-brother (Hukum) stays well and gets much further, which doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything and this horse has a lot of speed and a lot of class.
“But I’d be surprised if he doesn’t stay.”