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 efficiency that has become his trademark.
Karl Burke's stalwart has now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in prize money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.
While never ever enabled to entirely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a genuine stamina test, and although Hamish looked to be taking a trip highly it soon ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.
The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on powerfully despite the to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for 2nd.
Burke stated: "He set up a great, hard performance. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.
"I said to Clifford don't be scared to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he could 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 probably his real journey, anything above that he simply lacks stamina.
Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a third time (Steven Paston/PA)
"He's an excellent warrior and it's a terrific outcome."
Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his extraordinary 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 great efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's performed in his last two. I believe the visor has made the difference 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 remains in excellent type at present."