Baaeed will face a maximum of nine rivals when he tries to cap an unbeaten career with victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
The William Haggas-trained four-year-old extended his winning streak into double-digits by successfully clearing a mile and a quarter at the Juddmonte International in York in August – his sixth successive victory at group one level.
A one-and-a-half-mile stage for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was briefly considered, but relations ultimately decided to stick with 10 furlongs for what will be his swan song before being retired to stud .
Jim Crowley has steered Baaeed to each of his top-level victories and is looking forward to being on board for the last time this weekend after an enjoyable practice session on Monday morning. I wasn’t on him this morning – I only get the keys on race day – but I think he went really well,” the jockey told Sky Sports Racing.
“It’s a real race. Adayar is a Derby and King George winner and we probably haven’t seen the best of Bay Bridge. The others probably have a lot to do. I can not wait to be there. Hopefully we will have a nice dry week – not too much rain.
“I knew going up a mile and a quarter would see the best of him and he put the race to bed very quickly at York. He really had an easy race all year – he didn’t really have to race hard. I’m sure I’ll have a tougher one on Saturday.
Haggas also confirmed Dubai Honor, who was fourth behind illustrious stablemate York, as well as My Prospero, who picked up a third victory in five Group Two starts in France last time out.
The biggest threat to Baaeed appears to be last year’s Derby and King George hero Adayar, who is rising in class after slamming two inferior rivals on his late reappearance at Doncaster.
Aidan O’Brien could appeal to high definition and the Stone Age, while Noel Meade’s Helvic Dream and Jim Bolger-trained Mac Swiney could also travel from Ireland.
Bay Bridge (Sir Michael Stoute) and Royal Champion (Roger Varian) are the other contenders.
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