Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick
Al Qareem made it three successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the kind of figured out front-running performance that has actually become his trademark.
Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in cash prize for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.
While never ever permitted to totally do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a genuine endurance test, and although Hamish seemed taking a trip highly it quickly ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.
The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly in spite of the headwind to win by six lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for 2nd.
Burke said: "He put up a wonderful, difficult performance. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.
"I said to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, especially out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a couple of lengths and get the others at it because all he does is keep . You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is probably his real journey, anything above that he just lacks endurance.
Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a third time (Steven Paston/PA)
"He's a terrific warrior and it's a terrific outcome."
Burke, who likewise won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his incredible current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 preferred) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.
Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another valuable prize over course and range last month.
Burke said: "It was a wonderful efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's performed in his last 2. I believe the visor has made the distinction and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.
"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will go back to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.
"He'll have a 6lb penalty however is in fantastic type at present."