Baaeed completed preparations for his attempt to go out undefeated at Ascot — just like his predecessor Frankel did ten years ago — with an easy fisherman behind his lead horse on Warren Hill on the morning of October 14.
Driver and groom Ricky Hall said the 4-year-old was “really good” at walking back to the yard where three or four photographers lined up his route.
William Haggas was joined by several owners of the star Aussie mare Verry Elleegant to see the final rehearsal, and they did not disappoint.
Frankel himself drew fans from as far afield as Australia in 2012, which was a factor in the decision to give him a chance on the field that nearly had the meeting cancelled.
Ten years on, thankfully Baaeed won’t have such a surface to contend with, and his ties are happy with his draw in his bid for an 11th straight win in the QIPCO Champion Stakes. (G1) tomorrow.
Adayar will give Baaeed his biggest test yet of Saturday’s 1/4 mile race. Coach Charlie Appleby deliberately avoided a second crack at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) with the Cazoo Derby (G1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1) winners due to prospects on a testing surface, and he looks good to have finished 5th better in this round a year ago.
Frankel’s son scored a late reappearance in a conditional race at Doncaster last month and was a fresher horse than most.
Appleby said: “Adayar is in great form. We went to Doncaster for a condition race and we knew it was never going to be like the field he was going to meet on Saturday, but he didn’t. The point is we got what we wanted out of it — he regained all his confidence and didn’t have a hard time in the race.
“We all know that Baaeed will be a huge challenge for him and a huge task, but we couldn’t be happier with our horse. We’ve seen what Adayar can. do – he’s a Derby and King George winner and looks in great shape.”
Of the big clash, he added: “We’re excited, and it’s good for the race to see two good horses fighting each other, even though they weren’t the only ones in the race and you can make the case for others it’s a great race in general, but Adayar going up against the undefeated great Baaeed is a lot of fun.
“Can we beat him? We’ll have a fresher horse this year in conditions where we’re pretty comfortable. It’s going to be a great race and hopefully one that will go into use. books as one of the great races we’ve seen over the last few years.”
