Aussie Hero Addeybb Could Make His Ascot Return in October

Addeybb returned to the UK at the end of April after enjoying a profitable spell in Australia. William Haggas’ charge was last seen completing a double Down Under, taking the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill shortly before landing Randwick’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The six-year old was dominant throughout, and although connections were tempted to stable him in the Southern Hemisphere for the remainder of 2020, the decision was made to bring him back to Somerville Lodge. Although he currently has no scheduled summer commitments, an autumn trip to Ascot certainly looks to be on the cards.

THE man 😎
Addeybb bringing home the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes for 🇬🇧🏆
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Unbelievable achievement from team Haggas all round but especially Harry and Safid who have taken both lads through their journey down here🇦🇺
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Thankyou so much for all of the messages, stay safe!✌ pic.twitter.com/BCCbxXTYry

— Tom Marquand (@TomMarquand) April 11, 2020

Addeybb struck Group One gold in the Ranvet at the end of March when finding another gear for Tom Marquand during the closing stages. As explained by hhtp://www.brisnet.com, his success in New South Wales was all part of Haggas’ masterplan, with the Newmarket trainer having spotted an opportunity for the soft-ground specialist to compete in his preferred conditions. The gamble paid off, and following his double Group 1 success, the savvy handler admits that another crack at the Champion Stakes is very much a possibility.

Having banked AUD 2 million for connections, the consistent six-year old was shipped back to the United Kingdom, although a return to Australia is not out of the question. He is currently listed as the 6/1 favourite at https://www.betfair.com/sport/horse-racing for October’s Cox Plate, with Ranvet rivals Danon Premium and Verry Eleegant also in the betting at 9/1 and 11/1 respectively. Although many fans would love to see the trio cross swords once again, it appears as though the British raider will remain on home soil until 2021 at the earliest.

Connections are keen for Addeybb to secure top honours in the Champion Stakes this year after suffering a narrow defeat last October. Aidan O’Brien’s Magical proved too good, hitting the front with a furlong left to race, and the Irish raider never really looked like surrendering the lead. William Haggas’ charge was forced to settle for second place, however, as reported at https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/28/magical-retired-out-of-breeders-cup-blow-aidan-o-brien-horse-racing, his Ascot nemesis has since been retired, and therefore will not feature in this year’s renewal.

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Farewell and safe travels to Addeybb and strapper Safid! Addeybb leaves Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival as winner of the Group 1 @RanvetPtyLtd Stakes and Group 1 @Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes. All the best for what comes next! @WilliamHaggas @H_Eustace pic.twitter.com/vDZbmUeuAL

— Australian Turf Club (@atc_races) April 21, 2020

Although he was unable to secure a victory in Berkshire last year, the middle-distance specialist does have previous at the track. He came out on top in Royal Ascot’s Wolferton Stakes, trouncing the talented 16-runner field in eye-catching fashion. Earlier in his career, he was also victorious in the Savills Handicap, and although his 2018 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes effort was entirely forgettable, he will surely relish the conditions when he returns to the track this autumn.

The gelding’s Australian heroics have also helped enhance the reputation of jockey Tom Marquand, and the 2015 champion apprentice is hoping that his maiden Group One success will be the first of many. He also picked up six Group Three triumphs whilst down under, and he is guaranteed to pick up plenty of rides once the UK flat season returns. The Gloucestershire-born rider is planning to return to the Southern Hemisphere next winter as well, and although James Doyle was on board for Addeybb’s near-miss in the Champion Stakes, there’s every chance that Marquand could get the nod this time around.

Addeybb’s performances in Australia were nothing short of sensational, and another big run in the Champion Stakes is expected later this year. The classy six-year old is in peak form, and if the ground comes up soft at Ascot in October, the middle-distance specialist looks highly likely to notch back-to-back Group 1 successes for trainer William Haggas.