The Flat's most exciting talent? Why the brilliant Baaeed could light up 2022

Latest Flat superstar Baaeed returns to action on Saturday in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. We assess what he has done and what he might go on to do this season. . .

Who is Baaeed?

This question would have needed some proper explaining this time 12 months ago when the son of Sea The Stars was unraced, but the now four-year-old, trained in Newmarket by William Haggas for breeders Shadwell, has quickly made a name for himself and possesses the talent to become familiar to wider audiences.

What has he done?

After winning his maiden at Leicester, Baaeed landed a novice and Listed race on Newmarket's July course before bolting up in Glorious Goodwood's Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes, which was followed by a first top-flight success in the Prix du Moulin. He rounded off a memorable season with another Group 1 in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Jockey Jim Crowley, groom Ricky Hall and trainer William Haggas (right) with BaaeedCredit: Mark Cranham

How good is he?

Very. Only five horses in the world were deemed better than him last year and his official rating of 125 seems unlikely to be the peak of his ability.

What makes him so special?

He's got a powerful, explosive turn of foot, but is also a strong stayer at a mile – he's bred to get further – and appears a willing, uncomplicated sort who copes with most ground, while a recent racecourse gallop at Chelmsford that was shrouded in secrecy had onlookers raving. He came a long way in a relatively short space of time last season – Haggas was tempted to enter him in the Sussex Stakes before he had even run – and is entitled to be better this term.

Are there any weaknesses?

Not really. He was keen at times last year and jockey Jim Crowley said recently he wouldn't want extremes of ground, but that applies to most horses.

What do connections think?

Unsurprisingly, they think quite a bit of him and Haggas, speaking in March, said: "You can never be sure, and it's possible he won't be as good, but all the signs are suggesting he might be just as good at four, if not better, so we have to hope that's the case."

What might he do after the Lockinge?

Big brother Hukum is a classy mile-and-a-half horse who has also won over further and Baaeed gives every impression he would not find racing over a mile and a quarter a problem.

His team are considering that prospect and have entered him in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, although he also has the option of the Queen Anne over a mile at that meeting.

The Sussex Stakes, Jacques le Marois and Moulin are other obvious mile options, while the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International – a race no doubt proud Yorshireman Haggas would love to win – are possibilities over further.

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