Ten runs, ten wins, one to go – that is the record of superstar Baaeed going into his final race before retirement in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
But the 4-year-old’s glittering career is not ending with a procession; in fact, this is possibly his greatest challenge yet, facing Adayar.
Winner of the 2021 Epsom Derby and King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Adayar returned from a long injury lay-off to win at Doncaster last month, setting up a clash with Baaeed that many thought might never happen.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 13th, 2:00 P.M. (BST)
The 4-year-old son of Frankel will be ridden by William Buick and is a 6.00 chance with William Hill as he looks to improve on fifth in this race a year ago.
Baaeed, Europe’s top-rated horse, is still the strong favourite at 1.20 to land the £737,230 first prize for this 1 mile 1½ furlong contest.
He will be partnered for the ninth and final time by Jim Crowley as they attempt to take his career winnings past the £3 million mark for the Shadwell Estate and trainer William Haggas, who this week claimed it would be “terribly sad” if he was beaten.
Running once a month over the summer and winning at Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Newbury’s Lockinge and the Juddmonte International at York, he has almost two months off this time around.
Away from the big two, the next lowest in the market is Sir Michael Stoute’s Bay Bridge, under the stewardship of Richard Kingscote, a 12.00 shot.
Beginning the season well at Sandown with a fifth win in a row in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, he was then beaten by State of Rest in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes when the odds on favourite at Ascot.
Only fifth of six in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown last time suggests a real change in form is needed to challenge Baaeed.
Three wins and a third in the St. James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot is only enough for My Prospero to be considered a 29.00 chance.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 13th, 2:00 P.M. (BST)
The 3-year-old and 34.00 shot Dubai Honour – fourth behind Baaeed at York – are both also trained by Haggas.
Tom Marquand has recently ridden Dubai Honour but he takes his more customary ride on My Prospero, leaving James Doyle to ride the 4-year-old.
Of the outsiders, Royal Champion was a winner last time out, Stone Age won an Irish Derby Trial this year and Mac Swiney and Helvic Dream have both recorded Group 1 career victories.
