Baaeed heads field of seven for York’s Juddmonte International

PA Sport Reporters
August 15, 2022 9:38 am

Group Two Great Voltigeur attracts select half-dozen.

Baaeed will face six rivals as he switches up in distance for Wednesday’s Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old is unbeaten in nine runs to date, racking up Group One triumphs on his last five starts with all those runs coming over a mile.

He tackles 10 furlongs for the first time on the Knavesmire and he will count defending champion Mishriff amongst his challengers.

Mishriff came home clear in the race last year (Nigel French/PA)

John and Thady Gosden’s charge hacked up by six lengths in the race last year, but has failed to strike in four subsequent runs, most recently coming home a distant third in the King George at Ascot.

Haggas’ Alenquer was second to Mishriff last year and he tries his luck again with the trainer having a third string to his bow in Dubai Honour, who was edged out by the reopposing Sir Busker at York last month.

Native Trail, winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, represents Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team after finishing a close-up third in the Eclipse on his first try at 10 furlongs, while Aidan O’Brien fields High Definition, who is seeking a first win in nearly two years.

Secret State was a winner at Goodwood last time (Adam Davy/PA)

Appleby’s four-time winner Secret State heads six for the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, taking a step up from handicap level to tackle this Group Two trial for the St Leger. He will be joined by stablemate and Bahrain Trophy third Walk Of Stars.

James Ferguson is also doubled handed with Deauville Legend, winner of the Bahrain Trophy and second in the Gordon Stakes, and juvenile Group One winner El Bodegon.

O’Brien’s Aikhal and the Charlie Fellowes-trained Grand Alliance complete the field.

Nine runners tackle the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, with Chaldean, Hectic and Local Dynasty key names.