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 sort of figured out front-running efficiency that has become his hallmark.


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


While never 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 soon became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly regardless of the headwind to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who stayed on for second.


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


"I said to Clifford do not 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 most likely his true journey, anything above that he simply lacks endurance.


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


"He's a terrific warrior and it's a fantastic result."


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his extraordinary 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 valuable prize over course and distance last month.


Burke said: "It was a wonderful efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's carried out in his last 2. I believe the visor has 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 penalty but is in great form at present."