Baaeed on track for Champion Stakes but Free Wind out of Fillies & Mares

Baaeed, the highest-rated horse in Europe, remains on course for Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 15 following the latest acceptance stage, but Fillies & Mares Stakes favourite Free Wind was a notable absentee on Tuesday.

Free Wind was the 3-1 market leader for the 1m4f Group 1, but the John and Thady Gosden-trained filly reportedly picked up an injury when winning the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock in July.

The Gosdens could still be represented in the Fillies & Mares by Oaks runner-up Emily Upjohn, who has been off since July, and impressive Park Hill winner Mimikyu.

With Arc-bound Alpinista also taken out, the race has a wide-open feel about it. Ladbrokes offer 6-1 the field with Above The Curve, Emily Upjohn, Eternal Pearl, Mimikyu and Sweet Lady sharing favouritism.

Baaeed: Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold hopes he can emulate FrankelCredit: Edward Whitaker

As expected, Baaeed was removed from the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and will instead look to stretch his unbeaten record to 11 in the Champion Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old will aim to emulate Frankel by retiring unbeaten after winning the race and Angus Gold, racing manager to owners Shadwell, spoke of his excitement about the prospect of Baaeed winning his 11th race.

He said: “It would be fantastic if he could retire unbeaten. Not many do, and we all know who the last great one was – it would be fantastic to emulate him. I don’t mean that in terms of saying he is as good as Frankel, but to retire unbeaten would be brilliant.

“Baaeed is an exceptional horse. He has been very well trained and managed by William and his team. We have been lucky to have him for a couple of seasons and hope he can go out on a good note.”

Baaeed could take on last season's Derby hero Adayar, who was confirmed for Ascot, with Godolphin deciding against a run in the Arc this weekend. Bay Bridge, Vadeni and Luxembourg also featured among the confirmations.

Top fillies Inspiral and Homeless Songs head the betting for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in a poignant year for the race following the monarch's death.

Trueshan's potential opposition in his quest for a Long Distance Cup hat-trick could include St Leger hero Eldar Eldarov. Kyprios was also confirmed, but trainer Aidan O'Brien has said he may instead run in the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp this weekend.

Qipco Champion Stakes entries

AdayarCharlie Appleby
AddeybbWilliam Haggas
BaaeedWilliam Haggas
Bay BridgeSir Michael Stoute
Broome Aidan O'Brien
Dubai HonourWilliam Haggas
Helvic DreamNoel Meade
High Definition Aidan O'Brien
Lone EagleFreddie and Martyn Meade
Mac SwineyJim Bolger
Royal ChampionRoger Varian
Sealiway Francis Graffard
Al HakeemJean-Claude Rouget
ErevannJean-Claude Rouget
Luxembourg Aidan O'Brien
My ProsperoWilliam Haggas
OnestoFabrice Chappet
Stone Age Aidan O'Brien
VadeniJean-Claude Rouget
NashwaJohn and Thady Gosden
TuesdayAidan O'Brien

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