William Haggas on flawless Baaeed: 'He's the pupil every headmaster wants'

William Haggas believes preserving Baaeed's unbeaten record in the £1.3 million Qipco Champion Stakes (4.00) on Saturday has become "terribly important" in what will be the final race of the colt's stellar career.

And the measure of how highly he regards the son of Sea The Stars came on Wednesday when he compared Baaeed to the star pupil at an exclusive school.

"I wouldn't have a clue what makes him better, I wish I knew and then I could buy another one like him at the sales," said Haggas when questioned if there was anything in Baaeed's physical make-up which marks him out from mere mortal racehorses.

"He's just got everything, and I've always likened my job to being the headmaster of a boarding school," Haggas told a Qipco Champions Day press call. "This horse would get ten A stars; he would be captain of rugby, cricket and football or hockey; he'd breeze into Cambridge, then he'd be prime minister. He's just got it all.

Sheikha Hissa and William Haggas with Baaeed after the Juddmone InternationalCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's the pupil that every headmaster wants. He's just good at everything he does. I don't know why he’s good at everything he does, but he just is."

Although Haggas has plenty of respect for Adayar and Bay Bridge, Baaeed's two nearest market rivals, he believes both horses "will have to go" to beat the best horse in Europe.

Baaeed crowned his three-year-old season with victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day last season, and has gone through a perfect four from four at Group 1 level this campaign.

"I think it's terribly important now we're nearly there," Haggas said. "We've got one race to go."

He added: "Frankel was obviously unbeaten, but few are unbeaten in a career at that level. Obviously, we want him to win every race he runs in, so I think it would be sad if he was beaten. Probably only sad for us – it wouldn't be sad for the people who beat him."

Adayar (right): 'I respect him very much,' says William HaggasCredit: Edward Whitaker

Baaeed remains the 1-4 favourite to go out on a high, and although Adayar is rated higher than any previous rival he has faced, Haggas is not convinced Saturday will be his stiffest task.

The trainer said: "Adayar is obviously a very good horse – he won the Derby and the King George and I know he's fresh.

"But arguably his best form is over a mile and a half. Charlie Appleby's horses are running really well and he's talking him up big time.

"Now whether that was to knock an hour off my sleep at night, or whether he genuinely thinks that, I don't know, because there is plenty of banter between Charlie and I about the trainers' championship."

Haggas added: "I respect Adayar very much, just as I respect Bay Bridge. He looked a fantastic horse at Sandown, but they've got to go and beat him [Baaeed]."

My Prospero: impressed in a piece of work on TuesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Haggas also expects to run last year's Champion Stakes runner-up Dubai Honour, with James Doyle set to ride, but is less certain about the participation of the Sunderland Holdings-owned My Prospero.

"The interesting one is My Prospero," he added. "Mrs Tsui also owns Sea The Stars, and is very keen for Baaeed to do well, so I'm not sure if he will run.

"Tom [Marquand] rode him yesterday [Tuesday] in a piece of work that impressed both of us, so I think he'll probably take his chance."

Qipco British Champions Stakes (Saturday, 4.00 Ascot)

bet365: 1-4 Baaeed, 7-2 Adayar, 10 Bay Bridge, 16 Royal Champion, 20 My Prospero, Dubai Honour, 50 bar

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