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 type of figured out front-running efficiency that has actually become his hallmark.
Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in reward money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.
While never ever to entirely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real endurance test, and although Hamish seemed travelling strongly it soon ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.
The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on powerfully despite the headwind to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for second.
Burke stated: "He put up a wonderful, hard efficiency. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.
"I stated to Clifford do not be afraid to go hard, especially out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a few lengths and get the others at it since 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 probably his real trip, anything above that he just lacks stamina.
Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a 3rd time (Steven Paston/PA)
"He's an excellent warrior and it's a fantastic outcome."
Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his incredible current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.
Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and distance last month.
Burke stated: "It was a wonderful performance and he's constantly threatened to do what he's carried out in his last two. I think the visor has actually 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 return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.
"He'll have a 6lb penalty however is in excellent kind at present."