BIG RACE PREVIEW: Baaeed and El Drama are the two standout runners and face off in the 14.25 at Goodwood on Friday
Having only made his debut seven weeks ago, it is fair to say that Baaeed is just about the most exciting prospect in the UK right now. His debut at Leicester in early June had star status written all over it as he came from a near impossible position to win and win well. He has subsequently turned in two more sparkling performances with his latest victory at Newmarket seeing him beat horses who had been competing at Group 1 level. He beat them with ease too as he came clear with minimum assistance to beat Maximal by four lengths. This earned him an official rating of 119 on only his third ever run suggesting that he is already displaying Group 1 ability with the promise of more to come.
However this is a Group 3 contest at a big festival and these races are not won easily. El Drama brings a rating of 114 to the table and he has earned it. Aside from a poor run in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) he has been progressive. He first served notice of his ability when winning a competitive Dee Stakes at Chester in May where he beat Maximal by a length with good horses such as Earlswood, Yibir and Foxes Tales further behind. He kept the best of company last time out in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown where although he finished last of the four runners, he was far from disgraced in finishing just over 6 lengths off the winner St Mark’s Basilica. On a strict line through Maximal he has a bit to find with Baaeed but he is race hardened and he should be right in the mix.
Of the rest, Khartoum and Perotto bring top class handicap form to the table and both are pretty much listed class performers as it stands. However they are taking on Group 1 and Group 2 level performers here and they have to really step up again if they are to win this. Rhythm Master ran an excellent race in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time when finishing fourth to Creative Force whilst Tasman Bay is dropping back four furlongs in distance following an excellent second to Alanquer in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes also at the Royal Meeting in June.
However for one reason or another, they all have plenty to prove against the top two in the market and Baaeed and El Drama both set a high bar. For the selection it has to be Baaeed. The full brother to Hukum has a pedigree that suggests he will stay further and handle this softer ground (it was good to soft when he won on his second start) and it will be good for the sport if he can step up again and add this Group 3 prize to his growing reputation.
Suggestion: Baaeed
Alternative: El Drama
