WOW what an outstanding win by Bennett racing 5yo Baraqiel at Caulfield on Saturday. The big boy stepping up to a Metro grade BM84 after reeling off 3 wins, was going for an unbeaten 4 straight wins and BOY did he deliver, he was electric! This was a pretty good field of Metro class horses and although the win was narrow in the end the circumstances for that made the win even more spectacular.
One concern during the day was the rain and the track starting to deteriorate and how this would affect Baraqiel’s performance. Although still learning all the time, Baraqiel jumped well under regular rider Ben Allen and was soon pressing forward. He was pushed out to a 3 wide run and stayed there for most of the race. As the field swung around the home turn he asserted his authority and quickly ran to the lead. Baraqiel looked set for an easy win but an orange round object caught his eye and her veered sharply towards the outside rail. Ben did his best to straighten him up as the post approached. The Godolphin horse darted up along the rail whilst this was happening but Ben was able to get the big boys mind back on the job and he went on to by a head.
The overall time was 1m11.07s which was 4.62 lens better than Standard Time for this class on a Slow 5. Baraqiel showed great speed from the 1000-800m in 10.72s and then the 800 – 600m in 10.97s. After balancing around the turn he accelerated from the 400-200m in 11.46s – quickest of the race. Baraqiel has now gone Maiden – Class 1 – BM78 – BM84 Saturday Metro – all in the space of less than 8 weeks.
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. The win took the unbeaten Baraqiel’s overall record to 4 starts – 4 wins Prizemoney: $ $141,625
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.
Open class and Stakes races are now firmly in the plans for this very talented 5yo.
Just 4 starts in to his career and Baraqiel looks like ” he could be anything”
