Juddmonte International: 'I think he'll stay, no problem' - Haggas on Baaeed

Wednesday: 3.35 York
Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) | 1m2½f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

Baaeed has been a byword for brilliance during his racing career, which is expected to end at Ascot in October, and, by stepping up in trip, connections can certainly not be accused of ducking and diving to protect the future stallion's reputation.

Unbeaten in nine, he has not put a foot wrong with wins in the Lockinge, Queen Anne and Sussex Stakes this term, adding to the Group 1 victories he recorded last year in the Moulin and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

He is a red-hot favourite to notch his sixth top-flight success, which would equal his sire, the exceptional Sea The Stars, who won the International as part of his all-conquering 2009 campaign.

Connections have almost no trip concerns about Baaeed, the crack miler seemingly blessed with few, if any, weaknesses.

Superstar Baaeed with trainer William Haggas, groom Ricky Hall and jockey Jim CrowleyCredit: Edward Whitaker

William Haggas said he "always felt he'd be better over further", adding: "I think he'll stay, no problem.

"It feels right to me. You'd think he can just sit and wait and let it all unfold. I think Jim [Crowley] has a lot of confidence in the horse and trusts the horse to quicken.

"The three weeks between Goodwood and this race are fine and there's nothing about York that should trouble him. There's not a lot to say and we're not trying to look for problems – we just want to get on with it.

"He won on softer ground in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day last year and I can't find a negative, but I'm sure we'll find one if he gets beaten."

Baaeed runs in the Shadwell silks of the late Hamdan Al Maktoum, whose daughter Sheikha Hissa has taken huge pride in the blue-blooded colt's exploits.

Nashwan: Shadwell star and Baaeed relativeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

He is a relative of Shadwell legend Nashwan and Sheikha Hissa, speaking as part of a promotion for the Qipco British Champions Series, said: "When a horse likes to do his job it makes life so much easier, and Baaeed has his ears pricked even on the gallops.

"My father would have loved him, as homebreds always gave him special pride, especially from the Nashwan family.

"Last year I was afraid every time he went to the racecourse, but I don't know when I'll next see a horse like him, so I'm trying just to enjoy the process. He proved he's a great horse at a mile and he's bred for stepping up, so he should be fine technically."

Haggas also plans to run recent York Stakes second Dubai Honour, but added: "He needs rain and won't run if it doesn't rain. Some was forecast and I was disappointed he didn't win last time, but he's much better with cut in the ground."

Repeat hopes for Mishriff camp

Mishriff was a spellbinding winner of the International 12 months ago and is seen as Baaeed's biggest danger, but his habit of starting slowly might have cost him an Eclipse and King George this summer.

He is trained by John Gosden and his son Thady, who said: "We all know the one to beat but Mishriff has come out of the King George in good form and York is a track he likes and knows well.

Mishriff stormed to victory in the York showpiece last yearCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"We're taking the same route into the race as last year, it worked well then and we're hopeful of another good run.

"He's versatile regarding trip, ground, surface or country so should be okay if they get some rain but doesn't want extremes of going, which it doesn't look as if it will be."

Native Trail 'can make a race of it'

Baaeed has earned Frankel comparisons, but was not a champion two-year-old and never won a Classic – unlike Godolphin's Native Trail.

Second to stablemate Coroebus in the 2,000 Guineas, he went one better in the Irish equivalent and was then a half-length third – behind Vadeni and Mishriff – in the Eclipse.

"Baaeed is top class with an outstanding profile, but we feel we have the right horse to take him on and make a race of it," trainer Charlie Appleby said.

"Native Trail's work has been great. His condition is second to none. He thrives on his work, and, after giving him a break following the Eclipse last month, we have been winding his work up week by week. He is thriving."

Flawless when four from four as a juvenile, Native Trail could catch the eye in the preliminaries.

"He has always been a very mature individual physically," Appleby added. "And he's going to be one of the standout picks in the paddock because he's a strapping, good-looking individual.

"Baaeed is the horse we have to beat and respect, but the confidence we take into the race is that Native Trail has been over the trip. He finished a creditable third against some very nice middle-distance horses at Sandown. He's a champion two-year-old, who has gone on to win a Classic at three and is a multiple Group 1 winner with six wins from eight starts – that's an impressive CV."

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of High Definition
He had a very good run at the Curragh over this trip in the Tattersalls Gold Cup earlier this year and seems to be in good form. It'll be interesting to see how he gets on. He had nice run when third in the Dante at York last year so hopefully he runs well.

William Knight, trainer of Sir Busker
He won a course-and-distance Group 2 last month, but this is a big ask and Baaeed and Mishriff are proper horses, but that's not to say Native Trail and the rest aren't. It's highly competitive, but you never know and he's in really good form. The step up to a mile and a quarter has helped him. The track really suits him and if he runs to the level of form he showed last time he can give them a run for the place money. I wouldn't want the ground too soft, but some ease won't be a problem.

Wednesday's previews:

1.50 York: can Dakota Gold bring the house down as Ebor festival starts with a sprint?

2.25 York: outsider could prove the value as unexposed juveniles line up in open Acomb

3.00 York: can 'worthy favourite' Secret State handle the step up to Group 2 company?

Sign up here for your Racing Post exclusive offer. Horse racing multiples only. Combined min odds of 2.0. Free bet valid for 48 hours on horse racing multiples. Max one per day. Excludes Oddsboost multiples. Sportsbook exclusive. T&Cs apply.