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 determined front-running efficiency that has actually 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 enabled to totally 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 seemed travelling strongly 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 remained on for 2nd.


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


"I said to Clifford do not be scared to go hard, especially out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a few 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 real trip, anything above that he simply runs out of stamina.


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


"He's an excellent warrior and it's a terrific outcome."


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


Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another important prize over course and distance last month.


Burke said: "It was a fantastic efficiency and he's constantly threatened to do what he's done in his last two. 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 Balmoral on Champions Day.


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