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AdaHunta
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Posted: 15 May 2022 at 2:30am |
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djebel
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Posted: 15 May 2022 at 2:33am |
The way he did that it will be later rather than sooner they step him up in trip.
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reductio ad absurdum
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djebel
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Posted: 15 May 2022 at 1:00pm |
'I'm not saying Baaeed is Frankel - although he's heading in that direction'
Saturday: Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes, Newbury
Lockinge day is no stranger to
hosting champions and William Haggas, who has lived and breathed the
game for much of his life, might have one on his hands in the brilliant
Baaeed, the potential star of the 2022 Flat season who captured the Al
Shaqab-sponsored main event in a manner that suggested he will soon
stamp his name all over the sport.
The unbeaten four-year-old, from a
superb Shadwell family that goes back to the 1980s when the outfit's
late supremo Hamdan Al Maktoum purchased Height Of Fashion from the
Queen, had risen to the top last season with Group 1 triumphs in the
Prix du Moulin and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and he started the new
campaign with a huge bang.
Sent off the 4-9 favourite for
Newbury's most important Flat race, he tracked the leaders before making
smooth headway two furlongs out and, as he unleashed Baaeed's turn of
foot, jockey Jim Crowley hardly had a bead of sweat on him despite the
temperatures soaring on and off the track in West Berkshire.
Three and a quarter lengths was the
official winning margin from Godolphin's classy Real World, with Chindit
running a blinder to be third, but Baaeed won with a tonne in hand to
ease Haggas's understandable pre-race nerves.
Lockinge Stakes: full result and replay of Baaeed's brilliant performance
Asked if he had ever felt more nervous before a race, Haggas said:
"Not really, no. There was a bit of pressure because people kept saying
and writing nice things about him, but he did it nicely, as he should
have done.
"I wouldn't go as far as to say he's
the best horse in the world – it's not the sort of thing I'd say – but
he's done very well and it was a strong field."
Haggas, whose father-in-law Lester
Piggott is the jockey all others before and since are measured against,
started training in 1987 and has a Derby on his CV, while the sublime
Sea Of Class came close to giving him a famous victory in the Prix de
l'Arc de Triomphe.
"I don't know if he's the best I've trained. Sea Of Class was a star
and I loved her dearly, and most horses with a good turn of foot are
good and he's got a nice turn of foot which she had too.
"I was impressed and think he's a good horse."
The 61-year-old is far too wily to
say something that might come back to haunt him, instead keeping
grounded as he described a horse with a great temperament who was
"brilliantly" behaved immediately before and during the Lockinge. However, Haggas was the one who brought up the exceptional Frankel when pondering a step up in trip for Baaeed.
"I just want to go and win all the races he runs in," added the
trainer, whose stable star is bound for the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot
next and is set to step up in trip later in the season in York's
Juddmonte International.
"It would be a shame not to try going
further. Everyone said about Frankel staying at a mile, but arguably he
was at his most imperious when going round in the Juddmonte."
The F word was also not far from Angus Gold's thoughts.
Shadwell's long-serving racing
manager, at the Queen's Sandringham stud when Height Of Fashion was sold
to his future employer, described Baaeed as being the commercial
cornerstone of the operation as a stallion.
"He is and could be a massive asset,
but I'm not going to say he's in that class yet because Frankel is the
best I've ever seen, although he's heading in that direction.
"I don't want to sound cocky, but I
was at Chelmsford the other day when he worked with Montatham, who is
rated 104, and Aldaary, who is a pretty good horse, and he went by them
easily. When you see something like that, you obviously hope." Crowley also referenced that part of the preparation, which might enter racing folklore when it comes to sparkling gallops.
"I was speechless at Chelmsford," he purred. "The race went perfectly and was like a bit of work as well.
"He's very exciting and it's unfortunate Sheikh Hamdan isn't here as he's spent a lifetime trying to breed a horse like this."
Haggas had breeding of a different
kind on his mind as he explained the absence of wife Maureen – an
integral part of Somerville Lodge – from his side.
"Maureen is in Dubai where our
daughter's waters have broken, so we could be grandparents again soon,"
said the Newmarket trainer, who had more than one reason to be bursting
with pride – and he was, understandably so as well.
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reductio ad absurdum
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 20 May 2022 at 12:37am |
Now the Highest Rated horse in training (134)
Bring on the G1 Queen Ann Stakes next month then hopefully they step him up to the mile & quarter following the same path as Frankel
International Stakes @ York (August) Champion Stakes @ Ascot (October)
Genuine Super in the making !!
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rusty nails
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Posted: 20 May 2022 at 2:11am |
It was some win at Newbury!
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Jamal
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Posted: 21 May 2022 at 11:44am |
Good win
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djebel
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Posted: 24 May 2022 at 2:05pm |
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/baaeed-looks-brilliant-he-new-frankel/
They’re both outstanding racehorses – but only one
of them is an equine legend. So how close is Baaeed to following in the
great Frankel’s footsteps? Graham Dench assesses the evidence
The
superlatives were certainly flying after the brilliant Baaeed extended
his unbeaten record to seven with a sparkling display at Newbury on his
four-year-old debut in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes. But although pundits have so far stopped short of suggesting the new world #1
might be as good as the legendary Frankel, the ‘F-word’ came up
repeatedly after the four-year-old dismissed the classy Real World –
never before beaten on turf – in the one-mile contest. The William Haggas-trained colt is now odds-on for his next
assignment at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes, where he is set to
bid for his fourth successive G1 triumph. Brilliant Baaeed storms to world #1 spot with Newbury blockbuster Rightly
or wrongly, the idea that Baaeed is the best since Frankel is already
gaining serious traction. If he can stay unbeaten – maybe following the
Frankel path via the Sussex Stakes, Juddmonte International and perhaps
the Champion Stakes – then such comparisons will only increase. So how do the pair stack up? Let’s examine the evidence. The basicsFrankel pedigree bh Galileo - Kind (Danehill) foaled February 11, 2008 owner Khalid Abdullah breeder Juddmonte Farms Ltd; trainer Sir Henry Cecil jockey Tom Queally Baaeed pedigree bc Sea The Stars - Aghareed (Kingmambo); foaled April 18, 2018; owner Shadwell Estate Company Ltd; breeder Shadwell Estate Company Ltd; trainer William Haggas; jockey Jim Crowley Career detailsFrankel 14 winsfrom 14 runs (10 at G1); retired with career earnings of £2,998,302 (approx $3.7m) Widest win margin: 13 lengths (Doncaster conditions race on second start) Aggregate win distance: 75¼ lengths (average 5.35) Most spectacular win: incredible 2,000 Guineas romp (just ahead of sensational Queen Anne) Best win on TRC figures: Juddmonte International 138 Shortest odds: 1-20 for second Sussex Stakes Longest odds: 7-4 on debut Baaeed 7 wins from 7 runs (3 at G1); earnings to date £1,147,822 (approx $1.4m) Widest win margin: 7½ lengths (Newmarket novice event on second start) Aggregate win distance: 24 lengths (average 3.43) Most spectacular win: brutal Lockinge demolition (just ahead of tremendous 6½-length G3 success at Goodwood) Best win on TRC figures: Lockinge Stakes 129 Shortest odds: 2-5 for Goodwood G3 Longest odds: 6-1 on debut At this stage …Baaeed did not make his debut until June of his three-year-old career, by which time Frankel was
already six out of six. This included two major G1s in the Dewhurst at
two and the Guineas at three – before Baaeed was even out of the blocks.
With seven straight wins Baaeed has done a bit of catching up, although
by the same stage of his career Frankel had added a further four wins
(all of them G1) to make it ten from ten. Shall we talk about it?Frankel Sir Henry Cecil (trainer): “He’s the best I’ve ever had, the best I’ve ever seen. I’d be very surprised if there’s ever been a better horse.” Teddy Grimthorpe (racing manager): “We
are living the dream. You get so spoiled that you expect this from him.
The expectations are just enormous, but the fact is he keeps delivering
time and again. Each time he runs we say ‘That was amazing’, then the
next time. ‘That was fantastic’. That is Frankel. I’ve never seen
anything like him.” (speaking after Juddmonte International) Baaeed Jim Crowley (jockey): “It
was like a piece of work. He is a serious horse. It’s very exciting. I
am sure Sheikh Hamdan, who spent a lifetime trying to breed a horse like
this, is watching down. He has everything you want in a racehorse. I
can’t think of a weakness. He looks like he could be the best I’ve
ridden.” (speaking after Lockinge) William Haggas (trainer): “I
wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s the best horse in the world – it’s
not the sort of thing I’d say – but he’s done very well and it was a
strong field. I was impressed. He is a good horse and has a great
temperament. He will go for the Queen Anne Stakes and if we step him up
in distance he will go for the Juddmonte. Frankel arguably was at his
most imperious when he ran in the Juddmonte on that unforgettable day.
So we will try it at some stage.” (speaking after the Lockinge)
TRC computer Race RatingsFrankel’s best 138, Baaeed’s best 129 “Baaeed
is now the 19th different world #1 since we started ranking horses in
2014 and he could end up as one of the best, though he has some way to
go yet to reach the same company of Winx, American Pharoah and Enable.
Frankel had been retired when our classifications began, but the
computer did score his performances at 138. So, comparisons with the
great horse are a little hasty in my book, but that is to no horse’s
detriment – it is like comparing human sprinters with Usain Bolt.” James Willoughby, rankings expert TRC Global Rankings points Frankel not available, Baaeed 2108pts (best portfolio) View the latest TRC Global Rankings for horses / jockeys / trainers / sires “Baaeed’s
current TRC Global Rankings portfolio stands at a respectable 2108pts –
enough to be clear world #1. However, there have been 19 different
world #1s since 2014, with portfolios ranging from from 2035pts [Nature
Strip in April 2022] to 2796pts [Winx in April 2017], with the median
being 2408pts. Frankel’s exploits came before the first full list was
completed in 2014 and thus we don’t know how many points his portfolio
was worth. But it would have been significantly better than anything
since – probably close to the 3000-mark.”Nicholas Godfrey, TRC editor Timeform Frankel 147, Baaeed 134 “For
the second year running Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes went to the previous
season’s top three-year-old miler, though Baaeed (134 from 130) won even
more convincingly than 2021 winner Palace Pier (whom he’d beaten at
Ascot on his final start last year) and took his form up a notch. As an
unbeaten Lockinge winner, some might be tempted to draw comparisons
between Baaeed and Frankel, but while the similarities between the two
end there, it’s still a big compliment to rate Baaeed the best Lockinge
winner since Frankel.” John Ingles, Timeform Official ratings (BHA/IFHA) Frankel 140, Baaeed 125 “Baaeed
did no more than what the best of his form last year entitled him to,
and I don't believe that mathematically he improved on his 125. He went
into the race with 7lb in hand of Real World and beat him 3¼ lengths,
and with 13lb in hand of Chindit, who he beat five lengths. But I have
no doubt that he is a 130 horse – given the right circumstances and the
right opposition." Dominic Gardiner-Hill, BHA head of handicapping Racing Post Ratings Frankel 143, Baaeed 129 "Baaeed
looked better than ever in making an impressive return to action in the
Lockinge, laying down a daunting marker for the rest of the season with
a slightly improved Racing Post Rating of 129+. The Lockinge wasn't the
strongest of runnings and Baaeed really did only what he was entitled
to on the figures. However, it was hard not to be impressed and he looks
well worth the small upgrade on his three-year-old levels. It will be a
surprise if Baaeed doesn't rate higher still, but in terms of figures
he's still a stone behind the highest-rated racehorse in RPR history.” Paul Curtis, Racing Post Similar in some ways …1. Both are unbeaten. 2.
Both have impeccable pedigrees and were bred by two of the foremost
breeding operations of the last 50 years. They raced for their breeders,
or in Baaeed’s case his dependents. 3. Frankel is by Galileo, and Baaeed is by a half-brother to Galileo, Sea The Stars. 4. Both trained in Newmarket by acknowledged masters of their trade. … but they’re really quite different1.
Frankel was a champion 2yo (officially joint champion, with Dream
Ahead, but outright champion to most eyes). Baaeed was not ready to race
at two and did not see a racecourse until the following June. 2.
Frankel's domination spanned three full seasons. Baaeed has been racing
less than a year and is only now being widely recognised as at the top
of the tree. 3. Baaeed is already a G1 winner abroad, whereas Frankel spent his entire career in England. 4. Frankel
got the job done even when he was thought to be at his most vulnerable,
beating Cirrus Des Aigles in really soft ground in the Qipco Champion
Stakes on his final start. Baaeed has yet to encounter extremes of
going. 5. Frankel was a headstrong, free-going
type who benefited from the assistance of a pacemaker – older
half-brother Bullet Train – both at home and in many of his races.
Baaeed is a more naturally amenable individual and looks a more
straightforward ride. 6. Frankel was a most
imposing individual with huge charisma, who stood out in every parade
ring as the embodiment of the perfect specimen. Baaeed is a good-looking
colt with no obvious flaws, but he lacks Frankel’s stature. 7. Despite
never racing abroad, Frankel’s name clearly resonated on the world
stage, where he was mentioned in the same breath as Secretariat and Phar
Lap as an all-time legend. Baaeed doesn’t yet register beyond Europe. Graham Dench’s conclusionBaaeed may yet be capable of more and achieve a higher rating, both according to TRC Global Rankings
and conventional handicapping techniques. But he has some way to go
before he is breathing anything like the same air as Frankel. As
visually impressive as Baaeed was in the Lockinge, it is a plausible
argument that he did no more than he was entitled to do. For example,
the BHA’s mark of 125 following the Lockinge was no improvement on
Baaeed’s end-of-year rating for 2021 on the sport’s de facto official figures, as published in the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Moreover,
whichever ratings system is used, he remains well down the pecking
order among European-trained horses since Frankel. Cracksman, Golden
Horn and Ghaiyyath all achieved ratings of 130, Enable peaked at 128,
Adayar and Roaring Lion were both rated 127, and Kingman and Battaash
both got to 126. That might not be a comprehensive list either. For
perspective it’s also worth remembering Baaeed’s own sire Sea The Stars
– pre-Frankel of course, but most definitely among the modern greats –
earned a lofty WBRR mark of 133, having won six of Europe’s most
prestigious G1s in a year, including the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Arc. Admittedly, other ratings systems – including TRC Race Ratings and Timeform
– have taken a much more positive view of the Lockinge form. But even
these new ratings still leave Baaeed respectively 9lb and 13lb adrift of
Frankel at his zenith. Baaeed’s current portfolio on TRC Global Rankings
isn’t startling compared to other world #1s since Frankel. He is well
below the median among the 19 horses to have attained top spot since
2014 – though it is worth remembering that these are world rankings, so
the likes of American Pharoah and Winx push up the average. What
distinguishes Baaeed from Sea The Stars and all of the others – bar
Frankel – is that he has never been beaten. So long as he remains
unbeaten, and particularly if his programme continues to follow in the
footsteps of Frankel, then comparisons will only increase. However,
while it’s not too hard to see Baaeed pushing himself further up the
list before too long, it will be a huge stretch for him to even get
close to Frankel’s imposing status. That said, we almost
certainly haven’t seen Baaeed’s limit yet, and he could well make
significant improvement when he steps up to a mile and a quarter or more
and meets the pick of what looks an exciting three-year-old crop. If
he can overcome increasingly difficult tasks, as Frankel did, and
remain unbeaten then we might well be able to say he’s the nearest thing
we’ve seen since. But the new Frankel? Not yet for sure, and
probably never. Frankel was equine perfection and surely a
once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
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reductio ad absurdum
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Jamal
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Posted: 24 May 2022 at 3:59pm |
Frankel is still.head and shoulders ahead.
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Gay3
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Posted: 24 May 2022 at 4:15pm |
Do you have to reply to Djebel's every post? Can't find your own material Some would call it trolling
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Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 17 Jun 2022 at 9:53pm |
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 24 Jun 2022 at 1:27am |
Looks like he’s having 1 more @ the mile in the G1 Sussex Stakes (July) n a possible CLASH with Cox Plate winner State Of Rest (who maybe a late entry) before stepping up in trip in the G1 International Stakes @ York (August) !!
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 3:28am |
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TJMitchell
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Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 12:28pm |
Excited to see him go around in the Juddmonte
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Time is a flat circle
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Jamal
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Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 1:34pm |
Good win. Now onto 2000m. A good test.
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djebel
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Posted: 15 Aug 2022 at 12:45pm |
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reductio ad absurdum
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 7:13pm |
Finally we get to see him stepped UP in distance tonight after 9 from 9 @ the MILE
G1 Juddmonte 2063m 12.35 am
He’s bred for it LETS GO !!
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 17 Aug 2022 at 7:38pm |
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djebel
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 3:13am |
Superb just superb.
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reductio ad absurdum
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AdaHunta
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 3:43am |
That was as good as it gets !!
What n ENGINE n sooooo easy to ride
Just drops his head - gears down - waiting for Crowley to push the button !!
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TJMitchell
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 12:37pm |
Gee wasn't that something! Wowee
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Time is a flat circle
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jacko1
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 3:31pm |
Great horse, sad that he will be off to stud after one more run.
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 6:44pm |
jacko1 wrote:
...to stud after one more run. |
quotes after the race.
"I never had any desire to run in the Arc, and unless Sheikha Hissa
and Angus Gold decide that we're going to do that and miss Ascot, as far
as I'm concerned he'll be going for the Champion Stakes."
Nor is there any likelihood of retirement being put on hold, as
Haggas added: "He mustn't race on, he needs to go and earn some money
and enjoy a fruitful career." Running race is not the end game.... Sex is!!
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djebel
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 6:54pm |
It is utterly ridiculous that he "mustn't race on"
I never understood the Aga Khan retiring Zarkava and I will not understand them retiring Baaeed so soon.
400 years of breeding to pack them off to stud so soon.
And the money he earns at stud will not make one iota of difference to the lifestyle of his connections.
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reductio ad absurdum
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Second Chance
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 7:00pm |
This initial post from AdaHunta probably needs repeating. What a marvelous early call after Baaeed had only raced once.
AdaHunta wrote:
Like the look of this 3yo colt by Sea The Stars who debuted @ Leicester over the 1600m a couple of days ago.
He blew the start by about a length n a half ears scrubbed off midway down the home straight but geeee I liked the way he opened up his last 150m really lengthening stride POWERING LATE very SOFT through the line
He's a full brother to a horse already showing promise 4yo Hukum who's had the 7 starts so far knocking up 4 wins once over 1600 - 2400 (twice) and 2671m
Will be interesting how this guy goes stepping up in trip and not really sure what kind of horses he beat on debut but his win looked very good to me
Looks a VERY PROGRESSIVE type n will be watching where he goes with interest !!
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jacko1
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 9:05pm |
djebel wrote:
It is utterly ridiculous that he "mustn't race on"
I never understood the Aga Khan retiring Zarkava and I will not understand them retiring Baaeed so soon.
400 years of breeding to pack them off to stud so soon.
And the money he earns at stud will not make one iota of difference to the lifestyle of his connections.
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Exactly. Such a blow for racing, champions are what get the sport positive media coverage and bring people to the races. Reset was a horse here that went to stud way too early.
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Second Chance
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Posted: 18 Aug 2022 at 9:16pm |
Give us a break. He's a 4yo right? Why would he race on at 5 when arguably far more into testosterone to the detriment of his performances and value at stud?
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djebel
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Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 3:30am |
Second Chance wrote:
Give us a break. He's a 4yo right? Why would he race on at 5 when arguably far more into testosterone to the detriment of his performances and value at stud? |
Why should a racing fan be at all concerned about that ?
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reductio ad absurdum
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Second Chance
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Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 9:48am |
Connections quite rightly couldn't give a toss about what racing fans are concerned about.
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jacko1
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Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 11:38am |
Good for them. But since this forum is called International Racing we're probably going to prefer to see horses racing.
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Gay3
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Posted: 19 Aug 2022 at 1:53pm |
Baaeed has been handed three possible routes to
retirement, with trainer William Haggas on Thursday making clear for the
first time that the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe will be considered
for the exceptional Juddmonte International hero. Having proved
unbeatable over a mile, the world's highest-rated thoroughbred rose to
an astonishing new level on his first attempt at a mile and a quarter,
crushing Mishriff by six and a half lengths to earn a Racing Post Rating
of 138, one that has been topped on turf only by Frankel. He will
also be given an official rating of 135 (up from 128) by the BHA, a
figure bettered only by Frankel (140) and sire Sea The Stars (136) since
the World's Best Racehorse Rankings were introduced in 2004. When
speaking in the winner's enclosure, Haggas and owner Sheikha Hissa both
pointed Baaeed towards a farewell outing in the Qipco Champion Stakes
on October 15. Now, however, the Arc – for which he would need to be
supplemented – and Leopardstown's Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes
have been added to the melting pot, with Haggas stressing the owner
would ultimately determine an autumn programme for Shadwell's future
stallion. Haggas told the Racing Post: "Everything is possible at
the moment, even the Arc. I have to talk to Sheikha Hissa, but we're
going to enjoy the moment and don't need to make any decisions yet. "There
are three options. It's either Champion Stakes only, the Irish Champion
and then the Champion Stakes, or the Arc de Triomphe. "If Sheikha
Hissa wants him to have two races, the middle option would be the one.
If Sheikha Hissa is happy to go the Champion only, then that would be
the route. If she would like to go for the Arc, that would be the one
and the rest would not be in the equation. "It's just a case of
how much I let him off. I would let him off a bit if we were going
straight to the Champion Stakes, but if we were going elsewhere I don't
need to let him off too much." Asked if he would be confident
about Baaeed being fully effective over a mile and a half in the Arc –
for which Paddy Power quote him at 5-4 with a run – Haggas said: "We had
quite a lot of people saying we shouldn't even be going over a mile and
a quarter. They didn't see why we would do that when he was already so
good over a mile. He actually improved for the extra distance – and I
didn't see anything at York that suggested a mile and a half would not
be within his reach. "What the Juddmonte International did was
confirm what we have always thought about him. He was imperious. That
pleased me because I'm very keen for him to get the recognition he
deserves. I think he is exceptional." Sheikha Hissa spoke at York
of wanting Baaeed to have one final race at Ascot, and racing manager
Angus Gold had repeated that on Thursday, although he did so prior to
Haggas's latest comments. "Personally, I would very much doubt the
Irish Champion is a possibility," said Gold. "He is entered in the race
but when I spoke to Sheikha Hissa yesterday about the possibility of
the Arc, she just said she wanted to stick with William's original plan,
which was the Champion Stakes at Ascot. "We'll give it time, let
the dust settle and there's nice conversations to be had, but at the
moment I don't see the Irish Champion coming into the equation, and at
the moment there is no temptation for the Arc, unless Sheikha Hissa and
the family change their mind." Haggas also praised the efforts of
his team, described Crowley's International ride as "outstanding" and
expressed pleasure about moving to the top of the British trainers'
championship. "We have never been there before, apart from when we
won the Lincoln and were leading the championship for about a week," he
said. "To get to the top of the table is obviously very
satisfying, and we'll try to stay there, but there are lots of good
people with big strings snapping at our heels, so it's going to be a
battle. We'll just keep on doing what we're doing – and, crikey, when it
rains we have another team of high-quality horses who will be ready to
roll. "Look at Aldaary. He is a smart horse but you haven't seen
him at all since May. He'll hopefully come into his own in the autumn
when it rains."
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Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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