Baaeed maintains perfect record, runs away to win Juddmonte

Baaeed continues to maintain an unblemished record, and he has won three races to qualify him for two divisions of the Breeders’ Cup. If only he were going to take up the Americans on their invitations.

The horse recognized internationally as the best active Thoroughbred in the world ran his record to 10-0 with a 6 1/2-length victory Wednesday in the Group 1, $1,208,735 Juddmonte International at York, England.

Jockey Jim Crowley raced Baaeed (1-5 U.S., 2-5 U.K.) one path wide of the vanguard that saved ground along the rail. In fourth place making the turn into the homestretch, Baaeed gradually made up ground until the last furlong. At that point, Crowley found another gear, and Baaeed left no doubt who would win.

Mishriff (7-2, 4-1) raced in second throughout the race, and that was where he finished. Then came Sir Busker (35-1, 100-1), Dubai Honour (25-1, 33-1), Native Trail (7-1, 8-1) and finally the early pacesetter High Definition (24-1, 40-1).

The winning time for the 1 5/16 miles was 2:09.30 on a turf course rated good.

It was the first time the Shadwell-bred and owned colt had raced at a distance other than a mile. By winning the feature on opening day of the Ebor Festival, Baaeed won an invitation to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. The 4-year-old by Sea the Stars already had won the Queen Anne (G1) in June at Royal Ascot and the Sussex (G1) last month at Goodwood, both “win and you’re in” races for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Trainer William Haggas, however, all along has indicated Baaeed would race twice more in Europe – next month in the Irish Champion (G1) at Leopardstown and this fall on British Champions Day at Ascot – before being retired to stud.

By staying the distance of the Juddmonte, Baaeed probably stamped his ticket for the Champion Stakes (G1) at 1 1/4 miles rather than the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) at one mile that same day.