Talking Horses: Baaeed steps up in trip with aura of Frankel invincibility

Having set off at 1-7 for his latest wins at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, the unbeaten Baaeed (3.35) feels more backable at around 4-9 as he steps up to a mile-and-a-quarter for the first time in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The fact that Baaeed has yet to prove himself at 10 furlongs is one reason for the bookies’ apparent generosity but favourite backers also have a fresh and, on his day, highly talented opponent to worry about in Mishriff.

John and Thady Gosden’s five-year-old put up a career-best performance to win last year’s International by six lengths, and a return to that level of form would certainly provide Baaeed with his sternest test since Palace Pier ran him to a neck in last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

William Haggas’s colt has a Frankel-esque aura of invincibility, however, and as a son of the Derby-winning Sea The Stars, could actually improve for the extra quarter-mile. He has a few pounds in hand of Mishriff on ratings, his running style gives Jim Crowley plenty of options tactically and it will be a major surprise if Baaeed does not extend his unbeaten record into double figures.

York 1.50 The eight-year-old veterans Copper Knight and Dakota Gold are both looking for a record-breaking seventh win on the Knavesmire but could be vulnerable to a less exposed rival in Dusky Lord. Like Dakota Gold, he is drawn high at a track where low numbers usually have an edge but there is plenty of pace on the stands’ side which should leave the four-year-old poised to strike in the closing stages.

York 2.25 Jane Chapple-Hyam has already beaten last year’s record prize-money total and Mill Stream could add another £85,000 to the pot here. His close second behind the