Frankel 1-10 to account for nine Juddmonte rivals
Thursday 16 August 2012
Frankel will face a maximum of nine rivals when he switches up to a mile and a quarter for the first time in Wednesday's Juddmonte International at York.
Sir Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt will step onto the famous Knavesmire turf as officially the highest-rated racehorse in the world he is now just 1-10 with Coral to make it a 13th consecutive success.
“Frankel may be stepping up in trip at York, and face a multiple Group One winner in St Nicholas Abbey, but we fully expect his unbeaten record to remain in place, especially after Excelebration gave a further boost to his form with his victory at Deauville last weekend,” Coral’s David Stevens said.
Frankel is set to be joined by his regular pacemaker and three-parts brother Bullet Train, as well as his stablemate Twice Over, who won this prestigious Group One prize 12 months ago.
Frankel's main danger, if there is such a thing, is surely the Aidan O'Brien-trained St Nicholas Abbey.
A dual winner of the Coronation Cup at Epsom and a four-time Group One scorer in all, the five-year-old got going all too late when only third in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
He too is likely to be joined by a fellow Ballydoyle inmate or two in order to ensure there is a strong pace. Robin Hood and Windsor Palace are regulars in such a role.
Godolphin's Farhh chased home Frankel in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and is set to reoppose, but given the ease with which he was brushed aside, it would be a big surprise if he could reverse the placings.
Nathaniel has won the Eclipse and been second in the King George this year, so he would be an obvious threat if he does line up, although his participation has not yet been confirmed.
Planteur and Sri Putra complete the list of confirmations.
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