Bennett Racing’s Baraqiel made a statement with dominant 3/4 len win at Moonee Valley on Friday night. The son of 6yo Snitzel, having just his 7th start, jumped well from the outside barrier and after a speed battle Ben Allen was able to slot the big gelding one out one back. From there the race went to plan with Baraqiel travelling well and ready to pounce. Ben released the brakes coming to the 400m mark and went for home. Baraqiel was in full flight rounding the turn and on straightening, after a short lived challenge by the fav, Baraqiel held an advantage all the way to the line. Baraqiel is such a pleasure to watch. He shows tremendous fight and courage which has always been his trademark since his purchase way back in 2021. Baraqiel’s back story is well known and kudos to all owners who stayed in for the long haul. He’s still quite untapped and has been so well managed along the journey by Leon, Troy and Will. The team will probably step the big boy up in class now with a real possibility of a crack at some stakes races on the horizon.
He is building a fantastic record with 5 wins, 2 x 3rds in just 7 starts earning 232k along the way. This is a very talented horse who continues to step up at each challenge and roar through the grades. He has speed and toughness. Sits up on the pace and then has that rare commodity – an electric turn of foot. These attributes are what separates good horses and very good horses and Baraqiel is heading into the later category with a bullet.
Such a well bred son of Champion Sire Snitzel, Baraqiel is showing enormous talent in his delayed career and is being taken through his grades very well by the Team at Malua. Baraqiel was a 150k purchase from the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from his breeders the famous Arrowfield Stud. He is a ¾ brother to this years Gr1 AJC Oaks winner Autumn Angel. Certainly bred in the purple.
Once again congratulations to all owners in Baraqiel and thankyou to Leon & Troy Corstens and their Teams for all the hard work and patience they have taken with Baraqiel.