The highly-regarded Raaheeb bolstered his claims for the Derby with a remarkable comeback performance in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown. As a full-brother to the exceptional Baaeed and top-class Hukum, Raaheeb has significant expectations to meet.
Trained by Owen Burrows, who also guided Hukum to victory in the Coronation Cup and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Raaheeb demonstrated his potential with a successful debut over seven furlongs at Ascot in September. In his three-year-old debut, Raaheeb effortlessly transitioned to a 10-furlong Group Three, outpacing Aidan O'Brien's favourite Action and securing a three-and-a-quarter-length victory over Al Zanati.
Burrows expressed surprise at the ease of the win, stating, 'If we finished in the frame, I would have been pleased.' Jockey Rossa Ryan noted that Raaheeb took a blow but recovered strongly to cross the finish line. With his ability to stay confirmed, Raaheeb's future plans are under consideration, including potential participation in the Dante or a longer race. Bookmakers have shortened Raaheeb's odds for the Derby to 8-1, but Burrows remains cautious, unwilling to commit to Epsom at this stage and instead opting to weigh options including Ascot and the Irish Derby.