Raaheeb, the impeccably bred son of Sea The Stars, added another impressive chapter to his Derby résumé with a commanding performance in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown. The colt, a full brother to the outstanding Baaeed—who amassed ten wins from eleven starts for trainer William Haggas—and to the high‑class Hukum, who under the guidance of Owen Burrows captured both the Coronation Cup and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, now carries the weight of lofty family expectations. When Raaheeb broke his maiden over seven furlongs at Ascot in early September, many observers noted that he seemed to have inherited a substantial portion of his siblings' talent.
That early success set the stage for a bold step up in both distance and class as a three‑year‑old, and the Sandown Group Three, run over ten furlongs, provided the perfect proving ground. The race unfolded with Aidan O'Brien’s four‑to‑six favourite Action appearing hesitant under pressure, ultimately delivering a performance that fell short of expectations. In contrast, Burrows’s charge moved with ease throughout the contest. When jockey Rossa Ryan asked for a decisive move, Raaheeb responded by pulling clear, finishing three and a quarter lengths ahead of the nearest challenger, Al Zanati, and leaving the rest of the field trailing.
Burrows could scarcely contain his surprise. "Honestly, I thought that if we managed to finish in the placings I would be happy," he admitted, "so to win the way he did caught me off guard.
Rossa mentioned the horse took a slight stumble half a furlong from the finish, but I loved how he lowered his head and hit the line with such strength." The trainer also hinted at the colt’s future prospects. "He’ll definitely stay," Burrows said, noting that Rossa felt the horse accelerated again in the closing stages. "I’d have no problem taking him on another couple of furlongs. We’ll assess how he recovers from this run before deciding on his next target.
He’s earmarked for the Dante, although that may come a touch early." Beyond the immediate triumph, the victory sparked fresh speculation about Raaheeb’s ultimate Derby ambitions. Bookmakers responded swiftly, shortening his odds from 20‑1 to 8‑1 for the Epsom Classic. Yet Burrows remains cautious, preferring to let the dust settle before committing to a definitive plan.
"I’m not ready to pledge him to Epsom just yet," he explained. "We have Ascot and the Irish Derby on the horizon, so we’ll evaluate his progress. At this stage, he looks better than Hukum did at the same point in his career, which is encouraging." The trainer also addressed a moment of unease at the start of the Sandown race, when Raaheeb reared in the stalls—a behavior uncharacteristic of the colt.
"I hope that was simply a burst of fresh energy," Burrows said, "but it does linger in the back of my mind when we consider the Derby. We don’t want to rush him too early." Raaheeb’s lineage adds another layer of intrigue.
Baaeed, his full brother, was a near‑perfect record holder, while Hukum achieved Group One glory under Burrows’s tutelage. The family’s success suggests that Raaheeb could continue to improve with age, perhaps reaching his peak at six, as Hukum did. Burrows is keen to avoid any missteps that could hinder the colt’s development. "He’s an important horse, and we have to get it right," he emphasized.
"His brother got better at six, so we don’t want to make a hasty decision." The Sandown win also highlighted Raaheeb’s versatility. He handled a step up in distance with apparent ease, suggesting he could stay the classic mile‑and‑a‑half trip of the Derby. Moreover, his ability to accelerate sharply in the final furlong points to a turn of foot that could prove decisive in the tightly contested races ahead.
In the broader context of the season, Raaheeb’s performance adds depth to the field of three‑year‑olds targeting the Epsom Classic. Trainers and punters alike will be watching his next outings closely, particularly his upcoming run in the Dante Stakes, which traditionally serves as a key Derby trial. If he reproduces his Sandown form, he could become a serious contender for the blue riband of British flat racing. Meanwhile, the racing world continues to buzz with other stories: former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle chasing Cheltenham Festival glory, Kalpana’s triumph over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
These narratives, alongside Raaheeb’s ascent, illustrate the vibrant tapestry of contemporary horse racing. For fans eager to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers the latest news, interviews, and features, ensuring that every development—from race results to trainer insights—is just a click away. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Raaheeb, the stylish Sandown performer who may well be the heir to a distinguished family legacy and a future star of the Derby.