How the pundits and social media reacted to the 'devastating' Baaeed
The best miler since Frankel. That was the view of ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake – and plenty more observers on social media – after Baaeed thrashed his opposition in the Lockinge Stakes.
After going undefeated through 2021, the four-year-old returned in scintillating style at Newbury on Saturday, never looking in trouble as he swept to a three-and-a-quarter-length victory over Real World.
Lockinge: 'I'm not saying Baaeed is Frankel - although he's heading in that direction'
Blake was one of many onlookers to be blown away by the performance, and he said: "That [instant acceleration] is rare at this level. He's really rattled home, he's making good horses look pedestrian and that's what champions do. That's what we're dealing with here.
"I almost regretted saying he could be the best miler since Frankel but I think he is, I really do, with the promise of what he can do over ten furlongs."
All seven of Baaeed's victories have come over a mile, but a step up in trip for the Juddmonte International, which is run over a mile and two and a half furlongs at York in August, was suggested by jockey Jim Crowley and trainer William Haggas as a possible target for later in the year.
And on the prospect of Baaeed stepping up in trip, as Frankel did when winning the Juddmonte in 2012, Blake added: "They're
very different horses because Frankel was so exuberant, he was always on the edge, and there was always an element of anxiety when he did eventually go up in trip, whereas this horse is so much more straightforward in many ways.
"There wasn't much pace on there but he relaxed beautifully. And you look at his full brother Hukum, who stays all of a mile and six. He has the pedigree to go at least ten furlongs and he certainly has the character."
How social media reacted . . .
Read more from Newbury:
Lockinge: 'I'm not saying Baaeed is Frankel - although he's heading in that direction'
'In Frankel territory' - Teddy Grimthorpe, John Oxx and John Reid discuss Baaeed (£)
Peter Thomas: Baaeed welcomed into the Great Milers Club – now for the adulation he deserves (£)
'Happy days' - David Cameron celebrates as former No 10 insider wins at Newbury
Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME22 to get 50 per cent off your first three months.
First three payments will be charged at £17.48, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.
Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.
Published on inReports
Last updated
- 'There was no way he was going to lose' - local heroes Yutaka Take and Do Deuce strike in Japan Cup with Auguste Rodin eighth
- Royale and Ricci wow the Haydock crowd on a day when a Charles Byrnes handicap win leaves heads being scratched
- Punchestown: 'He has a lot of potential' - John Magnier-owned Butch Cassidy the star of Henry de Bromhead double
- Ascot: 'He'll get three miles and the King George is a possibility' – Paul Nicholls leaves Kempton door ajar for Pic D'Orhy
- Three experts nominate the horse who impressed them most on Saturday - including a Grand National candidate
- 'There was no way he was going to lose' - local heroes Yutaka Take and Do Deuce strike in Japan Cup with Auguste Rodin eighth
- Royale and Ricci wow the Haydock crowd on a day when a Charles Byrnes handicap win leaves heads being scratched
- Punchestown: 'He has a lot of potential' - John Magnier-owned Butch Cassidy the star of Henry de Bromhead double
- Ascot: 'He'll get three miles and the King George is a possibility' – Paul Nicholls leaves Kempton door ajar for Pic D'Orhy
- Three experts nominate the horse who impressed them most on Saturday - including a Grand National candidate