Unbeaten Baaeed outclasses Sussex Stakes rivals at Goodwood

Baaeed stretched his perfect record to nine wins from nine starts as he cruised to a convincing victory in the Group One Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Held up towards the rear of the field in the early stages, Jim Crowley's mount cantered into contention just before the cutaway and surged clear of longtime leader Bathrat Leon to score by a length and three-quarters as the 1-6 favourite.

Modern Games stayed on and filled the runner-up berth for Charlie Appleby under William Buick in the seven-strong field.

What a horse Baaeed is, He has gears that others don't have, the William Haggas colt is way too good for his rivals in the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes under Jim Crowley and makes it 9 from 9. @JimCrowley1978 @Q_REC pic.twitter.com/Ft3d0E9wQK

"I'm relieved it’s over, Baaeed is such a nice horse. It’s great," said winning trainer William Haggas, who confirmed York’s Juddmonte International as the next target.

"Today was a big day. I can’t tell you how sad it is for all of us that Sheikh Hamdan is not here to witness it. He did everything for days like this and he would have loved it.

"Baaeed has speed and class. I’m really looking forward to stepping up to 10 furlongs as I think he would enjoy it.

"I don’t think we need to go for the Arc. I think we’ll go for the Champion Stakes or the QEII depending on how he gets on at York."