German Classic winner Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) will not compete in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot on Oct. 15, according to assistant trainer Maureen Haggas. The winner of his first three starts, including the G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2000 Guineas), the Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum runner was fourth in the G1 St James's Palace S. Already re-routed from an attempted start in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois due to a dirty scope, the colt will instead go for a winter break.
“We just haven't got him back in time, he had a very little issue so he'll have a winter off,” she said. “He's too nice to risk, he's won a Group 2, he's too nice.
“You can't do that sort of thing for selfish reasons, you've got to look after the horse because we're going to need him next year.”
Haggas was more upbeat regarding stable star Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) who is aiming to maintain his unbeaten record in the G1 QIPCO Champion S. on Oct. 15.
“He's great, we're lucky to have him and we're looking forward to it but at the same time it will be sad as we'll be sad to see him go,” she said.
“He's been a fantastic horse and we'll never have another like him. It looks like the race will decide the championship with Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) there.”
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