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


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 syndicate.


While never enabled to completely 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 strongly in spite of the headwind to win by 6 from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for second.


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


"I said to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, specifically out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a couple of lengths and get the others at it because 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 lacks stamina.


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


"He's an excellent warrior and it's a fantastic 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 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another important prize 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 two. I think the visor has actually made the difference 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 however is in great type at present."