Arc finale is now on the cards for brilliant Baaeed

BAAEED will be given the opportunity to finish off his brilliant career in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 2, provided the ground does not get too testing. Trainer William Haggas yesterday said there is now a ‘strong chance’ the most exciting horse in British Flat racing since Frankel would head to Paris to try to end his career in spectacular fashion. There has been a clamour for the colt, who has won his 10 career starts, to compete in biggest race in Europe since he romped to a career-best six-and-a-half-length success from Mishriff in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on August 17. That looked unlikely with a shot at the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown followed by a final race in the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15 appearing the favoured plan. But after discussions with Sheikha Hissa, who heads the Shadwell Stud operation of her late father Sheik Hamdan Al Maktoum which bred and owns Baaeed, and her advisers, Haggas announced that the Arc is now very much under consideration. Baaeed does not hold an entry in the €5million race and will need supplementing but Ladbrokes make him the 2-1 favourite. Haggas said: ‘Baaeed is in great form and has been since York. He will have one more race this season. It will either be in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe or the Qipco Champion Stakes. A decision will be made closer to the time. If the ground is nicer there is a strong chance he will go there, otherwise he will wait for the Champion Stakes and run there.’ Having won nine races at a mile plus the International Stakes over two furlongs further, the Arc would be a first race over a mile-and-a-half for Baaeed as well as a first race outside Britain. Jim Crowley’s mount will face a talented field headed by last year’s winner Torquator Tasso, highly-rated Japanese challenger Titleholder, Yorkshire Oaks winner Alpinista and King George winner Pyledriver. By running in France, Haggas, who trained 2018 Arc runner-up Sea of Class, may also be sacrificing the chance of winning his first British trainers’ championship. In a battle with reigning champion Charlie Appleby, a win for Baaeed in Ascot’s Champion Stakes would probably tip the scales in his favour.