Coaxed gives Baaeed his first victory as a sire

The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly made a winning debut at Kempton, marking a special milestone for the superstar who was undefeated in his first 10 starts; to top it off, she is out of Persuasive, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1)

SUNBURY-ON-THAMES, England—Baaeed has begun writing another chapter in a career already filled with extraordinary moments. Nearly four years after the unforgettable campaign that established him as one of Europe's top turf stars of recent times, the son of Sea The Stars celebrated his first winner as a sire following the promising debut of Coaxed at Kempton Park.

The milestone could hardly have arrived courtesy of a filly with better credentials. Conditioned by John and Thady Gosden for Cheveley Park Stud, Coaxed is out of Persuasive, an outstanding mare trained by the elder Gosden to a peak career victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot.

Coaxed arrived at her career debut with high expectations and delivered. Ridden by Robert Havlin from a tricky draw in post 11, she quickly broke to secure the lead in the Unibet/British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

The daughter of Baaeed traveled comfortably on the front end, and as she entered the final furlong, she opened a crucial two-length margin. Although she felt the effort in the closing stages as fellow newcomer Miss Miniver(Wootton Bassett) made a late charge, Coaxed dug in to hold on by a neck at the wire.

"John left the decision in my hands. If she broke sharply we could go forward, and if she jumped slowly we would settle back and run our race," explained Havlin.

The jockey was particularly pleased with the filly's response: "We wanted to keep things simple for her. At home she is a filly that always wants to do things right, but she had never been asked for maximum effort until today, so it was a very solid performance."

According to Havlin, Coaxed was able to control the pace without being pressed and showed a decisive turn of foot when asked.

"She got to the front quite easily and had a comfortable trip. She quickened really well, showed a nice turn of foot, and just got tired in the last half-furlong. We know the family exceptionally well and they have all been very good fillies, including her dam. Hopefully she can follow that same path," he added.

The victory carried special significance for Cheveley Park Stud, not only because she is out of Persuasive, but because it allowed Baaeed to get off the mark with his first crop on the track.

"We are delighted, especially considering she was drawn 11 of 11. I thought Rab gave her a fantastic ride," noted Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud. "She is out of a top-class mare, so we are thrilled for everyone. Baaeed got his first winner and we have a very promising filly."

The win also carried a subtle family parallel: Persuasive had also won her maiden debut over Kempton's synthetic track, a factor that influenced the decision to start her daughter on the all-weather surface.

Connections now plan to take a patient approach. Richardson indicated that the Gosdens will consult with Cheveley Park Stud owner Patricia Thompson before selecting her next objective.

For Baaeed, the result holds undeniable importance.

Trained by William Haggas, he went undefeated through his first 10 career starts, reaching magnificent heights highlighted by his dominant victory over Mishriff (Make Believe) in the Juddmonte International (G1) at York. His only loss came in his career finale in the Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot before retiring to stud.

His first crop of 2-year-olds began hitting the track this season, and after Shiyam fell short in his own debut, Coaxedstepped up to put her sire on the board.

It may have been by a neck in a novice contest, but behind that result sits immense expectation. Baaeed has his first winner—and by pedigree and track performance, Coaxed looks built to ensure it is the first of many.