‘Best since Frankel’ – equestrian giants hail Lockinge hero Baaeed

Lockinge-winning riders Mick Kinane and Philip Robinson praised William Haggas’ Baaeed after maintaining his clear record with a tremendous win in Saturday’s race.

The Sea The Stars colt was imperious under Jim Crowley as he swept through a field of group winners to claim a three-and-a-quarter success – his seventh in seven races.

The triumph was enough to inspire tentative comparisons to the great Frankel, who won Lockinge in 2012 on his way to an unbeaten career that has seen him head to stud as one of the greatest flathorses of all. the temperature.

Such a comparison was made by former jockey Philip Robinson, whose victory for Lockinge aboard Rakti in 2005 still remains the fastest ever.

“He’s the best horse I’ve seen since Frankel, plain and simple,” he said of Baaeed.

“I think he’s been a really good horse for a while and he was really impressive. I’ve been impressed with him in all his previous races and it’s there to be seen now.

“Anything he can do from here is anyone’s guess. He is a charming and charming horse in every way and it must be a pleasure to be involved with him.

“I think there’s only one that’s this good every 10 years or so.”

Mick Kinane steered Hawk Wing to a Lockinge victory considered by many to be one of the most impressive ever and the great pilot is looking forward to seeing Baaeed tested both at Royal Ascot and potentially on a longer voyage in the future .

“He looks like a very exciting horse for the future. If he continues to improve he will be very tough to beat throughout the year and you should expect him to race in the Queen Anne at Ascot,” he said.

“We know what can happen with the horses at any given time and nothing is certain, but you imagine it will peak at Ascot and it will be very exciting to watch.

“These big milers are always exciting to ride, they’re explosive and always have a good pace and it’s the best fun you’ll have on any horse if you get a really good miler.”

On the prospect of Baaeed following in Frankel’s footsteps and moving to 10 furlongs, he added: “I would say a mile and a quarter later in the year would be well within reach. He has pace and power and it would be a bonus if he were to step up later in the year.

“If a horse can win a race like the Juddmonte International, it’s a mile two and 100 yards, he has to go an extended mile and a quarter to do it, you know.

“He looks like a very valuable stallion prospect, so it’s very exciting for relationships.”