Tuesday 19 October 2021
The Aga Khan Studs sires were in the news across Europe during the weekend. Baaeed provided the highlight with his superb victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day, while Seachange lifted the Group 2 Prix du Conseil de Paris and Lizaid offered a first Group success to his sire Zarak.
Unbeaten now in six career outings including two Group 1 contests, Sea The Stars’ son Baaeed has made spectacular progress throughout the season after making his debut in June. In an epic renewal of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, the three-year-old repelled the attack of five-time Group 1 winner Palace Pier to confirm his place among the world’s elite milers.
His jockey Jim Crowley was impressed, “I think Baaeed could be a world champion. He's just a beast, he keeps getting better. I’m pretty sure he would stay further if he had to. He’s got a great mind, there doesn’t seem to be any chinks in his armour.”
Trained by William Haggas for owner-breeders Shadwell Estate, Baaeed, a full-brother to multiple Group scorer Hukum, is set to remain in training next season at four years old.
Leading first season-sire in France, Zarak enjoyed his biggest success to date on Sunday in Germany, as Lizaid became the Haras de Bonneval’s first Group winner. The filly, trained by Peter Schiergen for Gestüt Zoppenbroich, is now unbeaten in two races after her success in the Group 3 Preis der Winterkönigen at Baden Baden. Zarak recorded a double on the day at Baden Baden as Lavello won the opening contest, providing his sire, the son of Dubawi and Zarkava, with his 12th individual winner.
Siyouni also had cause for celebration, this time at ParisLongchamp where his daughter Seachange beat her male rivals in the Prix du Conseil de Paris. Already a Listed victrix and Group-placed, the four-year-old filly stayed on well to secure the Group 2 prize and trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias indicated that she will now be retired to stud by owner-breeders the Wertheimer brothers.
Updated on 19 October 2021.
