'Sterner tests await Baaeed' - Lockinge performances analysed

Baaeed confirmed his superstar status with a brilliant win on his return in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, extending his unbeaten record to seven races. His performance, and the runs of those in behind, come under the microscope here . . .

2022 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes: full result and expert analysis

1. Baaeed (4-9f)

Baaeed did not see the racecourse until June last year so there was always hope he could build on the spectacular progress he made in the second half of 2021 and he certainly did not disappoint, dispatching his eight race-fit rivals with ease, Crowley only reaching for the whip once.

Near to hand it is hard to see what is going to stop him making it 8-8 in the Queen Anne, but his outstanding miler credentials would likely be tested more sternly up against what looks a very good crop of three-year-old colts in the Sussex.

According to his trainer he could be in line for a step up to 1m2f in the Juddmonte International later in the summer, his pedigree strongly suggesting that trip could suit him even better.

2. Real World (5-1)

Real World had not cut much ice on dirt in Saudi and Dubai earlier in the year but he was defending an unbeaten record of his own, 5-5 on turf coming into this, and confirmed he is a really smart operator on grass.

Members can watch the replay here

All ground seems to come alike to him (his Longchamp Group 2 win last autumn came on very soft) and it should not be hard to place him to advantage in the coming months.

3. Chindit (20-1)

Chindit built on his reappearance win in Listed company at Doncaster with a fine effort from the front.

Chindit: encouragement to take from his thirdCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

It is hard to see how he would trouble the winner in the Queen Anne, but he should be a force at just below the top level, races like the Summer Mile at Ascot and Goodwood's Celebration Mile being obvious targets for him.

4. Alcohol Free (11-1)

Alcohol Free continues below her best but this was a bit more encouraging with the hood worn at Sandown left off. In common with a few in this line-up, she would surely be up against it taking on Baaeed in the Queen Anne, but connections do have the option of the Duke Of Cambridge at Ascot, where she would escape a penalty for her Group 1 wins.

5. Sir Busker (33-1)

Sir Busker did as well as could have been expected, particularly as he was dropped right out. He has a good record over the straight mile at Ascot but it is still hard to see him faring much better in the Queen Anne.

6. Sunray Major (40-1)

Sunray Major does not look up to Group 1 standard at this stage but he was a bit better than the result and likely has it in him to be a force at minor pattern level, still very lightly raced for his age. The way his effort petered out late on after making headway suggests a drop back to 7f may suit him ideally.

7. Mother Earth (10-1)

Mother Earth was quite weak in the betting considering she is a dual Group 1 winner who arrived on the back of a reappearance success and she was well below par. Her overall record suggests she is not the type to stay down for long.

Mother Earth: failed to fire at NewburyCredit: Caroline Norris

Like Alcohol Free, she would escape a penalty if she went down the Duke Of Cambridge route at Ascot rather than the face-off with the winner again.

8. New Mandate (40-1)

New Mandate had shown he retains his ability with his Ascot Listed reappearance win but this higher level proved well beyond him. His sights will presumably be lowered next time.

9. Etonian (150-1)

Etonian had shaped with a bit of promise in the Spring Cup but this was always going to be too big an ask.

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Read more on the 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 (Members' Club)

'The best miler since Frankel' – pundits drooling over Baaeed's Lockinge romp

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