Brilliant Baaeed: where will he run next and who are his potential opponents?

Baaeed was brilliant at York in Wednesday's Juddmonte International but the options remain open for the world's highest-rated racehorse. Below, we assess each race and the unbeaten star's potential opposition.

Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes

Leopardstown, September 10

Ireland's top race for older horses seems the least likely option for Baaeed, but it would not necessarily come too quickly as it is 24 days from York, which came three weeks after his Sussex Stakes success.

It would also allow another October run with suitable gaps to either the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or Champion Stakes. Baaeed will be favourite for any race he runs in, but the Irish Champion will not be about one horse because Eclipse winner Vadeni and Luxembourg, favourite for the Derby prior to a setback, are in the mix.

William Haggas does not send many horses to Ireland, but his runners merit the utmost respect and the trainer has enjoyed seven winners from just 17 runners in Ireland in the last five years.

Likelihood rating 2/5

Paddy Power 4-7 Baaeed, 5-2 Vadeni, 6 Luxembourg, 10 Bay Bridge, Mishriff, Native Trail, Onesto, Titleholder, State Of Rest, 12 bar

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Longchamp, October 2

Europe's middle-distance championship is the race that crowns greats, and its rich roll of honour includes Sea-Bird, Dancing Brave and Sea The Stars, Baeed's ultra-talented sire.

Testing going is not something the four-year-old's camp would desire, and the last two Arc have been staged on heavy ground. Easier conditions would suit last year's winner Torquator Tasso, while King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Pyledriver has won on soft, as has Alpinista, winner of Thursday's Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks.

Vadeni, who also landed the Prix du Jockey Club over an extended ten furlongs, would be an intriguing contender if stepping up in trip, while Adayar, somewhat forgotten despite Derby glory last term, could be a formidable challenger for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, whose Arc third from last year Hurricane Lane is another soft-ground danger.

Likelihood rating 3/5

Bet365 11-2 Alpinista, 6 Baaeed*, Titleholder, 7 Torquator Tasso, 10 Vadeni, 12 Do Deuce, 14 Pyledriver, Onesto, 16 Luxembourg, 20 bar

*needs to be supplemented

Qipco British Champion Stakes

Ascot, October 15

Haggas has never been champion trainer but, largely thanks to his stable star, is in contention this season. Neither the Irish Champion or the Arc will help him finish above his chief rival Charlie Appleby.

But winning the Qipco Champion Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot and pocketing £737,230 would. That may figure in the top trainer's mind, as will the fact the race has been the long-term plan.

The Ascot highlight, which Frankel signed off by winning, is five weeks after the Irish Champion Stakes and would be a natural slot for any ten-furlong horses who do not have the Arc on their agenda.

Haggas, who won the race with Addeybb in 2020, has that horse entered along with Alenquer, Dubai Honour, Grocer Jack, Maljoom and My Prospero, giving his Somerville Lodge stables a strong hand.

Likelihood rating 4/5

Sky Bet 1-2 Baaeed, 9-2 Vadeni, 10 Nashwa, 12 Bay Bridge, Adayar, Luxembourg, Maljoom, Mishriff, 14 State Of Rest, 16 bar

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Where should Baaeed run next: Champion Stakes or Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

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