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 figured out front-running efficiency that has become his trademark.


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


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


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


Burke said: "He set up a wonderful, hard performance. We know he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I stated to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, specifically out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a couple of lengths and get the others at it because all he does is keep . You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is probably his real trip, anything above that he simply runs out of stamina.


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


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


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


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


Burke stated: "It was a great performance and he's constantly threatened to do what he's done in his last two. I think the visor has made the distinction and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb penalty but remains in excellent form at present."