Frankel the inspiration as Haggas reveals Baaeed goals

Baaeed's rise to prominence in 2021 was nothing short of meteoric. William Haggas' star made a winning racecourse debut at Leicester in early June. Four months later, Baaeed claimed his sixth-straight victory by defeating Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day, ending his first campaign on the track as the highest-rated racehorse in the world.

Effortless victories in the Lockinge and the Queen Anne Stakes have helped Baaeed stretch his unbeaten record to eight this season. Haggas star will now put his 100% record on the line in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, where he'll come up against impressive 2000 Guineas winner, Coroebus.

Comparisons have been drawn between Baaeed and Frankel. Widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time, Frankel retired unbeaten in 2012, ending his career on the track with victories in the Sussex Stakes, the Juddmonte International at York and the Champion Stakes on his final outing at Ascot.

Speaking to the press this week, William Haggas seems to have been inspired by Frankel and revealed he plans to step Baaeed up beyond a mile before 2022 is out.

"I remember so clearly how Frankel won that race (Juddmonte International Stakes at York when they were wondering if he'd be as effective up in trip." Haggas told the press. "It was like a bit of work. It made the hairs stand up on the back of your neck."

"He (Baaeed) hasn't much to prove at a mile and his pedigree smacks of further – he relaxes so well. He's uncomplicated with a great mind and a good turn of foot." 

"I'd love to see him run at York. I hope that Baaeed will be able to travel as strongly around the Knavesmire as Frankel did and will be able to use his turn of foot on the straight. Beyond York, he'll go to Ascot on Champions Day."

Bet365 make Baaeed their 4/11 favourite to win the Sussex Stakes on day two of Glorious Goodwood next week. Haggas' star is also a 5/4 favourite to win the 2022 Juddmonte International Stakes, where Baaeed could square off against Epsom Derby hero, Desert Crown and Jean-Claude Rouget's Coral-Eclipse winner, Vadeni.