Big guns stand firm in Sussex
Henry Cecil has suggested Frankel has the potential to be the best horse he has ever trained and seven victories from seven starts, including a brilliant display in the 2000 Guineas, gives that theory plenty of weight.
The three-year-old is, however, likely to face the toughest task of his career as he meets his elders, headed by Richard Hannon’s Canford Cliffs, winner of the race 12 months ago, for the first time.
Like Cecil, the current champion trainer believes his four-year-old is the best horse to have ever passed through his hands.
He will arrive at Goodwood off the back of a victory over incredible French mare Goldikova in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.
The betting suggests the one-mile Group One is a two-horse race, with most bookmakers making Frankel, who will carry 8lb less than his major rival, the marginal favourite.
With most of the opposition frightened off, the ’big two’ are joined by just two other runners.
Goldikova’s trainer Freddie Head has decided to send Rajsaman across the Channel, while Godolphin’s Rio De La Plata completes the small field.
* WORKFORCE remains under assessment at Michael Stoute’s stable after his run in Saturday’s dramatic King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Last year’s Derby and Arc winner was beaten quite convincingly by Nathaniel at Ascot, but jockey Ryan Moore reported the colt had been struck into by the ill-fated Rewilding.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, said: “Workforce was sore after the race and he was a little bit better yesterday.
“He is being checked out at the moment and will be for the rest of this week, so there’s not much to add at this stage.”
nANTE-POST favourite Hoof It is among a host of confirmations for Saturday’s Blue Square Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood.
Mick Easterby’s sprinter, who is part-owned and could be watched at the weekend by top golfer Lee Westwood, is as short as 5-1 in places for the valuable handicap after Saturday’s success at York.
Mac’s Power, the second favourite who has looked like a winner waiting to happen in two recent outings at Ascot, is also among the field.
Many of those holding an engagement could find themselves balloted out, and the crucial draw will not be found out until later in the week.
Paul d’Arcy’s Edinburgh Knight and Hughie Morrison’s Pastoral Player, two other leading fancies, will make the cut if declared, along with last year’s winner Evens And Odds.
The most notable absentees were Waffle and Hawkeyethenoo.
* NAHRAIN will not bid for Group One honours in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday.
Trainer Roger Varian wants to wait a little longer before pitching the unbeaten daughter of Selkirk in the best company.
The three-year-old, owned by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, has created a good impression on all of her three starts to date, with wins over a mile in a maiden, a handicap, and a Listed contest.
“We’re not going for the Nassau. We are going to give her a bit more time,” said the Newmarket handler.
“She’s perfectly fine, but I want her to see the season out strongly in the autumn.
“I’m not quite sure where are going to go next, but it won’t be for a little while.
“I think she will get 10 furlongs and could be versatile come the autumn.
“She goes on easy ground.”
