Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the sort of identified front-running efficiency that has actually become his hallmark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, claiming over ₤ 700,000 in prize money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing distribute.


While never permitted to entirely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real endurance test, and although Hamish seemed travelling strongly it soon became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly despite the headwind to win by six lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for second.


Burke stated: "He set up a great, tough performance. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I stated to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, especially out of Bottom, as he might nick a couple of lengths and get the others at it since 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 runs out of endurance.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a 3rd time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's a terrific warrior and it's a great outcome."


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his amazing current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 preferred) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and range last month.


Burke stated: "It was a wonderful efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's performed in his last 2. I believe the visor has actually made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has actually 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 charge but remains in fantastic form at present."