Roderic the each-way alternative to Frankel
If St Nicholas Abbey was deserving of his place as the even-money favourite in last year's race then it's hard to argue that Frankel, officially higher rated as a juvenile and with a prep run under his belt, is not worthy of his current quotes.
It's fine to proffer that he was workmanlike on his reappearance in the Greenham but he pulled hard in the early stages of the race and yet found plenty as he stretched clear of his rivals in the closing stages.
To my eyes, it was an almost perfect preparation. In victory, he rid himself of the freshness that could be the difference between winning and losing a Classic and was worked hard enough to make the race bring him on fitness-wise without having to extend himself to the point that the run might have left its mark.
He is undoubtedly the one to beat but his price is about right and thus he represents little value.
The feeling from across the water is that, if Frankel's colours are to be lowered it won't be by a compatriot.
That leads us back across the Irish Sea to Pathfork who, according to the market, leads the Irish charge. Jessica Harrington's colt went unbeaten through a juvenile season that culminated in Group 1 success in the National Stakes.
He was all out to beat subsequent Racing Post Trophy winner Casamento that day but the pair finished well clear of the remainder and the form was some of the best shown last season.
The ex-Mick Halford-trained Casamento, now under the care of Mahmood Al Zarooni, re-opposes this afternoon and there's no reason to expect there'll be much between the pair again.
It must be acknowledged that the Godolphin Team has started the season more brightly than has been the case for many a year and, if a winter in Dubai has had the desired effect, odds of 12-1 might be generous. However, it's also worth noting that he was considered the outfit's second choice for this race until the ex-Dermot Weld-trained Dubai Prince sustained an injury recently.
Aidan O'Brien's Roderic O'Connor has form with the favourite. He was beaten just over two lengths when runner-up to Frankel in last season's Dewhurst Stakes and he showed himself to be a progressive sort when winning the Criterium at Saint Cloud just a couple of weeks later.
He wandered about a bit in the straight that day but it was run on particularly testing conditions and he showed a most willing attitude to win a shade cosily. With the promise of more to come and the return to better ground, he has solid claims.
In winning the Racing Post Trophy, Casamento had Native Khan back in fourth place. The last named has always been highly regarded but he was readily outpaced that day. In his favour is the fact that he has a run under his belt this season and that race resulted in a comfortable victory in the Craven.
Ed Dunlop's colt won't mind the ground but the horse he beat that day is a sprinter in the making and Native Khan has something to prove at this level.
If Frankel wins, the punter who had the well-documented £550k to win £500k in the ante-post market will be amongst a minority who make worthwhile profit. Henry Cecil's horse should maintain his unbeaten record but Classics are seldom easily won and Aidan O'Brien, who has managed to win this race five times, has another genuine contender in Roderic O'Connor.
At odds of 10-1, the latter should reward each-way punters and, if Frankel fails to live up to the fanfare, the Ballydoyle maestro could move one step closer to becoming the winning-most trainer in the race's history.
