Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three succeeding wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the kind of identified 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 cash prize for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never ever permitted to totally do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a genuine stamina test, and although Hamish looked to be taking a trip highly it quickly 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 stated: "He put up a fantastic, hard performance. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to Clifford do not hesitate to go hard, specifically out of Swinley 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 trip, anything above that he simply lacks endurance.


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


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


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his incredible 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 important reward over course and range last month.


Burke said: "It was a fantastic efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's carried out in his last 2. I believe the visor has made the distinction 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 on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb penalty however remains in terrific type at present."