Longchamp not Goodwood for exciting Baaeed as connections opt for Group 1 test

The exciting Baaeed will bypass Saturday's Group 2 tote Celebration Mile at Goodwood to test his mettle at Group 1 level for the first time in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on September 5.

The William Haggas-trained three-year-old was absent from the 14 entries for the Goodwood feature but his owners Shadwell are hoping Mutasaabeq can prove an able stand-in after his impressive win in a conditions contest at Haydock last time.

Baaeed, who took his unbeaten record to four when trouncing the opposition by six and a half lengths in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last month, is instead set for his first trip overseas against the best of the French.

Saturday entries

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager for the Shadwell team, said on Monday: "Baaeed will work this week and then we'll decide, but I think the plan is to take him to the Moulin, which will tell us whether he's a Group 1 horse or not."

In his days as a jockey, Hills sported the Shadwell blue when successful for Haggas in the Moulin aboard Aqlaam in 2009.

"Instead of Baaeed we plan to run Mutasaabeq at Goodwood," he added. "We ran him in the 2,000 Guineas earlier in the year and he won a conditions race at Haydock last time.

"We were going to run him in the City of York Stakes at York last week, but we thought seven furlongs there would have been a bit on the sharp side for him, so we're going a mile at Goodwood."

Mutasaabeq: colt has pleased his team since HaydockCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hills, whose younger brother Charlie trains Mutasaabeq, went on: "Charlie seems very happy with him, so all being well he'll go there. He's pretty versatile as regards ground so hopefully can put up a good performance."

Also among the Goodwood entries is Saeed bin Suroor's top older performer Benbatl, but he is more likely to be on duty in the Group 3 Sytner BMW Sunningdale & Maidenhead Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor later that day.

The Godolphin trainer said: "Benbatl didn't go to Dubai last winter and remained here in Newmarket with the team at Godolphin. He's working very well at present and is entered at Goodwood, but could run in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor."

Read more:

Brilliant Baaeed strolls to fourth victory to leave Haggas aiming at the top

Will Baaeed end the year as the best miler in Europe? Our experts have their say

'The legacy lives on' – why Mutasaabeq represents racing royalty in the Guineas

Hills pays moving tribute as 'horse of a lifetime' Battaash is retired

Benbatl bounces back with Group 1 victory in Munich to set up Winx clash

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