BAAEED tops the bill as a glittering cast list assembles for the £4million QIPCO British Champions Day seasonal finale at Ascot this afternoon.
The William Haggas-saddled son of Sea The Stars is a perfect 10 from 10 as he approaches the final race of his career in the £1.3million QIPCO Champion Stakes (4.00).
And even the understated Haggas goes into raptures when asked about the best horse he has trained in a career spanning five decades.
“He’s just got everything,” gushes Haggas, whose four-year-old is a best-priced 1-4 chance for his swansong. “I’ve always likened my job to being the headmaster of a boarding school.
“I don’t know why he’s good at everything he does, but he just is. He’d be Prime Minister!”
The handsome bay colt, on whom Jim Crowley bears the silks of his late boss, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, has an unbeaten record that includes Group 1 triumphs on his last six starts.
A step up from a mile to today’s 10-furlong trip saw Baaeed rout his rivals by six and a half lengths in the Juddmonte International at York in August.
“He’s the perfect racehorse and riding him is a great feeling,” smiles Crowley. “I’ll never find another one like him – he’s a superstar.”
Adayar , last year’s Derby and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes victor, provides meaningful opposition after a belated winning comeback at Doncaster last month.
But the Godolphin challenger looks set for the silver medal if Baaeed, who signs off at Ascot after connections turned down an ambitious tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, brings his awesome A game to his career farewell.
The rest of the champions Day selections
1.25 QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP
ELDAR ELDAROV has just one blemish on a CV that now includes the St Leger and looks the type to thrive for a first crack at two miles.
