How the pundits and social media reacted to the 'devastating' Baaeed

The best miler since Frankel. That was the view of ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake – and plenty more observers on social media – after Baaeed thrashed his opposition in the Lockinge Stakes.

After going undefeated through 2021, the four-year-old returned in scintillating style at Newbury on Saturday, never looking in trouble as he swept to a three-and-a-quarter-length victory over Real World.

Lockinge: 'I'm not saying Baaeed is Frankel - although he's heading in that direction'

Blake was one of many onlookers to be blown away by the performance, and he said: "That [instant acceleration] is rare at this level. He's really rattled home, he's making good horses look pedestrian and that's what champions do. That's what we're dealing with here.

"I almost regretted saying he could be the best miler since Frankel but I think he is, I really do, with the promise of what he can do over ten furlongs."

All seven of Baaeed's victories have come over a mile, but a step up in trip for the Juddmonte International, which is run over a mile and two and a half furlongs at York in August, was suggested by jockey Jim Crowley and trainer William Haggas as a possible target for later in the year.

Baaeed and Jim Crowley are led back into the winner's enclosure at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

And on the prospect of Baaeed stepping up in trip, as Frankel did when winning the Juddmonte in 2012, Blake added: "They're
very different horses because Frankel was so exuberant, he was always on the edge, and there was always an element of anxiety when he did eventually go up in trip, whereas this horse is so much more straightforward in many ways.

"There wasn't much pace on there but he relaxed beautifully. And you look at his full brother Hukum, who stays all of a mile and six. He has the pedigree to go at least ten furlongs and he certainly has the character."

How social media reacted . . .

Read more from Newbury:

Lockinge: 'I'm not saying Baaeed is Frankel - although he's heading in that direction'

'In Frankel territory' - Teddy Grimthorpe, John Oxx and John Reid discuss Baaeed (£)

Peter Thomas: Baaeed welcomed into the Great Milers Club – now for the adulation he deserves (£)

'Happy days' - David Cameron celebrates as former No 10 insider wins at Newbury

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