Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick
Al Qareem made it three succeeding wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the sort of identified front-running performance that has actually become his hallmark.
Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, over ₤ 700,000 in reward money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.
While never permitted to totally do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real stamina test, and although Hamish looked to be travelling highly it soon ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.
The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly despite the headwind to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for 2nd.
Burke said: "He set up a fantastic, difficult efficiency. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.
"I said to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a few lengths and get the others at it because all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is most likely his real trip, anything above that he simply lacks endurance.
Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a 3rd time (Steven Paston/PA)
"He's an excellent warrior and it's an excellent result."
Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his unbelievable recent run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.
Jamie Spencer was on board, just as he was when winning another important reward over course and range last month.
Burke said: "It was a wonderful efficiency and he's constantly threatened to do what he's done in his last two. I believe the visor has actually made the distinction and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.
"Everything has actually fallen right for him the last twice and he will return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.
"He'll have a 6lb charge but is in excellent type at present."