Smart finale allows Baaeed to prevail
BAAEED (114) completed his journey from a Leicester maiden to Group 1 winner on Sunday with a fluent victory in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, setting up the possibility of a mouth-watering clash with Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot.
The overall race time was below standard for a race of its standing, but the closing sectionals were the opposite as the William Haggas-trained winner won a shade cosily.
The listed race over the same course and distance won by Varkesha (103) was marginally faster and is a useful guide to the form as second placed Maamora (98 at Sandown) had previously finished three and three quarter lengths behind Saffron Beach in a Group 3 at Sandown. If judged on the overall time, Simon & Ed Crisford’s mare would have finished alongside Order Of Australia (109) in the Group 1.
However, from the second last turn which is around five furlongs from the finish, Baaeed was slightly faster clocking 51.88s compared to Varkesha 52.45s, a superiority that the son of Sea The Stars built on when posting 22.45 seconds from the 400m pole, compared to the Aga Khan-owned filly who completed the same section in 23.31s.
To confirm the superiority by Baaeed, the comparable sectionals for the Group 3 over a mile and a quarter won by Dawn Intello, who made all, were 53.07s and 23.21s respectively.
Order Of Australia, as is usual, posted solid finishing sectionals with 52.09s and 22.92s from the relevant points while Victor Ludorum (107; 51.65s and 22.34s) finished off well to close the gap on Aidan O’Brien’s colt from the Jacques le Marois three weeks ago.
DOLLAR Value (74) made the quick turnaround from Down Royal on Friday pay dividends as he made it two out of two at Navan with a front-running display of dominance to post the fastest time on the round course when adjusted for distance.
Luke McAteer took over in the saddle from Colin Keane but never mind the pilot, as the tactics were identical as the pair set out to make all, which they achieved eased down.
A closing sectional from the four-furlong marker of 55.00s was bettered by others in the field including attractively handicapped Jeff Kidder (59) and Clondaw Hollow (59) who were side-by-side for the duration of the home straight in posting 54.81 seconds, while Metal Man (59) finished off slightly faster (54.09s) from further back to grab second on the line, probably benefitting from the first-time visor.
The most impressive closing sectionals of the round track races were posted by Climate (81; 50.41s) and Adelisa (80; 50.92s) who fought out a tight finish to the fillies and mares maiden.
Climate was having her sixth start for Jessica Harrington but seems to be progressing now. Both she and the runner-up look to have a bright future in handicaps and, along with Dollar Value, can be supported on their next assignment.
The pick of the straight track performances saw Art Of Unity (81; 35.83 seconds) follow his Curragh win with another success at Navan, narrowly holding off the late challenge of Arnhem (81; 35.65s) who yet again ran well in defeat.
Eyecatchers of the week
Prontissimo (91+), Ascot, Friday 3rd September: Quickened smartly to post the best overall time and closing sectional in combination on the day.
Indian Sounds (90), Pontefract, Friday 3rd September: Gave valiant pursuit to King Of Stars posting similar numbers, can take advantage of racing in this grade again.
Baby Alya (77+), Thirsk, Saturday 4th September: A similar fillies’ handicap looks within her compass. A closing furlong of 11.69 seconds, when in the clear, was only bettered by the impressive Godolphin newcomer Mythical Dancer.