Confirmed runners and riders for Baaeed's return in the Lockinge Stakes

Jockey Jim Crowley struggled to hide his enthusiasm for the return of Baaeed in Saturday’s Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, saying “horses like him don’t come around very often.”

Trained by William Haggas for Shadwell Estates, for whom former champion Crowley rides as first jockey, Baaeed went unbeaten through his first season on the course, culminating in victories at Group 1 level in the Prix du Moulin and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Crowley partnered Baaeed in a recent racecourse gallop at Chelmsford with two stable companions, and the chance to ride the four-year-old again only increased the rider’s anticipation for his return.

“I was extremely happy with Baaeed at Chelmsford and I’m really looking forward to riding him again at Newbury – horses like him don’t come around very often,” the rider said.

3.20 Newbury card and betting

“Palace Pier was an exceptional horse, so what Baaeed did on Champions Day at Ascot [when winning the QEII] was excellent, especially when you remember he hadn’t been on a racecourse until June. Hopefully he’s progressed again, although he probably wouldn’t need to have progressed too much on the figures.”

Baaeed was one of nine horses declared for the first Group 1 of the season in Britain that is open to older horses, with his rivals including the Group 1-winning fillies Alcohol Free and Mother Earth, as well as the progressive Real World.

“He’s up against two good fillies who are match fit as well as Real World, but he was a revelation last year,” Crowley said in a press release from the British Champions Series. “He’s an absolute pleasure to ride. He’s got manners and he’s just a lovely horse. I’m really looking forward to him.”

Chindit and Etonian are set to represent trainer Richard Hannon, while the field is completed by New Mandate, Sunray Major and Sir Busker.

Final field for the Lockinge Stakes

BaaeedJim Crowley
ChinditPat Dobbs
EtonianRossa Ryan
New MandateRichard Kingscote
Real WorldDanny Tudhope
Sir BuskerHollie Doyle
Sunray MajorFrankie Dettori
Alcohol FreeRob Hornby
Mother EarthRyan Moore

Lockinge Stakes (3.20 Newbury Saturday)

Coral: 1-2 Baaeed, 5 Mother Earth, 7 Real World, 14 Alcohol Free, 16 Chindit, New Mandate, 28 Sunray Major, 40 Sir Busker, 100 Etonian

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