Baaeed was in a league of his own as he stormed to victory in the Juddmonte International at York.
The 2-5 favourite travelled effortlessly for Jim Crowley and the response was instant when he was asked to win his race. Over a new trip of ten furlongs, the son of Sea The Stars powered clear from last year's hero Mishriff by six-and-a-half lengths.
The Group 1 contest, day one's feature of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, carried a first prize of £567,100. It was Baaeed's tenth successive triumph as he retained his unbeaten record on the track.
"He’s got everything, he’s the perfect racehorse," said Crowley.
"I’m not joking here – he’d win a July Cup (six furlongs) all the way up to a mile and a half, he has everything. He's as good as the greats."
Baaeed won in similar fashion to fellow racing great Frankel, who had 14 wins on his CV. But trainer William Haggas was keen to stress his horse's star status in the aftermath of the big race.
"Just give him credit for what he does, don’t compare him to Frankel," he said.
Haggas was fined £140 beforehand when Baaeed was found to have a rash on his neck that had not been given veterinary clearance.
"We had a little scare with a veterinary issue before the race, which I shall deal with later, but these things add to the pressure," he added.
Baaeed is 5-4 (non-runner, no bet) for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Paddy Power. However the Newmarket trainer suggested the Champion Stakes at Ascot would be next for the son of Sea The Stars.
