Where should Baaeed run next: Champion Stakes or Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

William Haggas said after Baaeed's brilliant Juddmonte International success at York that he would likely finish his career at Ascot in the Qipco Champion Stakes, but given the manner of victory the Arc at Longchamp naturally comes into the question. We asked our team where they'd run him next . . .

'Ascot procession isn't as appealing as daring Arc bid'

By Mark Boylan, reporter

If connections really want to cement Baaeed's status as an all-time great, a tilt at the Arc is the clear choice to showcase his brilliance.

We learned at York that he has the stamina for a mile and a quarter and it's difficult to envisage us discovering much more about him if contesting the Champion Stakes, given it is similar in trip – and likely quality – to the Juddmonte.

The manner in which he travelled and saw out his race on Wednesday gave the impression that the Arc trip could be within his compass, and a win in Paris would truly allow comparisons with his sire Sea The Stars.

Wherever he goes, Baaeed is box office, but another procession at Ascot isn't as appealing as a daring Arc bid.

'Missing the Arc didn't dampen Frankel's legacy'

By James Hill, Racing Post tipster

I think there's zero chance of Baaeed running in the Arc. The ground won't be so bad at Ascot in October, and if there was a danger of it turning into a bog they could just use the hurdle course like a few years ago.

I don't know why you'd want to step him up in trip at Longchamp anyway. Why risk it at a course notorious for its traffic problems? Missing the Arc for the Champion Stakes didn't dampen Frankel's legacy, and whatever happens, this colt is already an undoubted great of the turf.

A delighted Jim Crowley guides Baaeed to a superb Juddmonte International win at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

'I'm amazed connections don't seem willing to consider it'

By James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

The Arc is on a different level to the Champion Stakes and I'm amazed connections – given how steeped they are in the sport's history – don't seem willing to consider it even for a second.

You could argue races don't get better than the Arc whereas the Champion Stakes isn't even in the top three contests Ascot stages.

Full credit if William Haggas and the Shadwell team feel a responsibility to British racing to field their champion on Champions Day – or maybe they're just scared of meeting Pyledriver in the Arc!

Read these next:

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