Baaeed has "a strong chance" of ending his career in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October, it was announced on Sunday.
That would mean the unbeaten colt would sign off in Europe's most prestigious race, when he would be having a first try at a mile and a half, provided the ground is suitable.
Speculation has been rife over targets for Baaeed ever since he scored his tenth win in a row with an imperious victory in the Juddmonte International at York, with the Arc, the Champion Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes all possible contenders.
In a statement outlining plans for the world's highest rated horse, trainer William Haggas said: “Baaeed has been in great form since York and everyone is happy with his wellbeing. Having had long discussions with Sheikha Hissa, Angus [Gold] and Richard [Hills] we have come to the conclusion that he will have one more race this season.
"That will not sadly be in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes but will be either in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or the Qipco Champion Stakes.
"A decision will be made nearer the time. He’s not in the Arc so would need to be supplemented but we are not keen to run him on bad ground in Paris, so if the ground is nice there is a strong chance he’ll run there. Otherwise he’ll wait for the Champion Stakes and run there."
Paddy Power quote Baaeed at 4-5 non runner, money back for the Arc and spokesman Paul Binfield said: "Ireland's loss is France or England’s gain and I’m sure everyone who loves their racing will be hoping that the rain stays away from Paris.
"If this marvellous horse is to become part of the sport’s folklore as a true great, he’s probably got to go and win an Arc, considered by many to be Europe’s top middle-distance event."
Bookmakers going 16/10 to win the Arc if supplemented. Was high as 7s last week.
A portion of the press statement release is omitted. Angus Gold says that the "Arc is the greatest race to win". On that there is a good chance to line up.
It's around 5/2 for ARC and would appear a cert considering the field.
However the ARC is not an easy race to win and not guaranteed a hassle free run.
I remember even Nijinsky got beat !
Was it too much after winning the triple crown as the St Leger was too soon after the race.
Or did he stumble close to the post and lose balance?
It will certainly add spice to the greatest race on the planet to win IMO
I would love to see him run in the ARC as well.
Just wondering if he does run and win the ARC as well as wins his other run on the 15th of October.
Will his rating go up to a 140?
As I said before, I rate him better than Frankel.
A rating of 140 will be equal to that of Frankel.
William Haggas said he had always been reluctant to run Baaeed in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe instead of the Champion Stakes as he revealed some of the wider reasons behind the decision at Newmarket on Sunday.
Baaeed will head to Ascot on October 15 rather than Longchamp 13 days earlier and the unbeaten four-year-old drew lots of attention when cantering behind his lead horse Montatham at the Henry Cecil Open Weekend.
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