Monday 16 May 2022
Baaeed’s scintillating performance in the Gr.1 Lockinge Stakes on Saturday was the highlight of an excellent week for Gilltown Stud resident SEA THE STARS.
The Shadwell homebred won his third Group 1 over a mile by three-and-a-quarter lengths, to remain unbeaten in seven starts and confirm himself as one of the most exciting horses of 2022.
“He is an absolute pleasure to ride and very straightforward,” said his jockey Jim Crowley. “Everything went smoothly and it was like clockwork. There was not a lot of pace in the race, but he has such a turn of foot and, if they had gone quicker, it probably would have helped him. He is the most beautifully-bred horse and is everything you want in a racehorse. Nothing seems to faze him and he doesn't appear to have any weaknesses. I can't think of one. He is really bright, he has gears, he relaxes and he stays the mile extremely well. He has got a turn of foot and you couldn't ask for more. You would imagine the Juddmonte International would be tailor-made for him.”
Trainer William Haggas added: “I have to say I have never been more nervous before a race than I was today. There was a bit of pressure, because all you fellows keep writing nice things about him, but he did it nicely today. I would not go as far as to say he is the best horse in the world – that is the sort of thing others might say – but he has done very well. It was a strongish field, there was a Classic winner in there and two fillies who were very useful last year, so he has done really well. If we step up to a mile-and-a-quarter, and if he stays fit and healthy, we will go for the Juddmonte.”
Earlier that day, Ottoman Fleet became SEA THE STARS’ 90th individual Stakes winner when taking the 10-furlong Listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket for the Godolphin team.
Meanwhile on Friday, star stayer Stradivarius made history by winning the Yorkshire Cup for the third time – smashing the record for Group wins (18) by a horse trained in Europe. With Emily Upjohn winning the Gr.3 Musidora Stakes very impressively at the same course on Wednesday to become favourite for the Oaks, it really was a week in which SEA THE STARS demonstrated once more his versatility as a sire.
Meanwhile in France, young Haras de Bonneval stallion ZARAK posted his ninth Stakes performer courtesy of La Parisienne, second in the Listed Prix de la Seine at ParisLongchamp. One hour later, Time Square – ZARAK’s first ever Classic runner – ran a great race to finish a very close third to Mangoustine and Cachet in the Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.
