St Nick primed for Frankel clash
Tuesday 14 August 2012
Aidan O'Brien is looking forward to giving St Nicholas Abbey a crack at superstar Frankel in the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday week.
While Frankel is unbeaten in 12 career starts, St Nicholas Abbey also boasts impressive credentials, having won four Group One races himself, and he was last seen finishing third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
"The Juddmonte was always going to be one of the races St Nick could run in. We were happy with his run in the King George. He relaxed, travelled and quickened really well," said O'Brien.
"He had a little bit of a break after the King George and seems well at the moment. We've always thought the world of him - he is a very exciting horse. And we still think he is on the upgrade.
"We're looking forward to seeing him run at York - and watching Frankel. Frankel is a great horse and it's just a privilege to see him run, really."
Also set to take on Frankel in the richest race ever to be staged on the Knavesmire will be Farhh, who was six lengths behind him in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood two weeks ago.
He will, however, have an alternative York entry and Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, is under no illusions about the size of the challenge facing the Pivotal colt.
He said: "Frankel is the best horse in the race by a long, long way and if he runs to his form then he will win. But Farhh is in good form. We will weigh up the options and he will also get an entry in the Strensall Stakes (August 24)."
Looking to other races at York, O'Brien said Harrison's Cave was the intended Ballydoyle runner in the Ebor, while Investec Oaks heroine Was is an intended runner in the Yorkshire Oaks.
Comments
Please sign in to post a comment.