Peerless Frankel a class apart

Frankel demolished perhaps the final obstacle blocking his completion as the blueprint of the perfect thoroughbred racehorse in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York yesterday.

The wonder colt coped with the step up in distance to an extended mile and a quarter with such astonishing ease that the clamouring for him to now be aimed towards Europe’s most prestigious race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, will continue to grow until a decision is made.

Henry Cecil, clearly not in good health as he made his first appearance on the course in several months, has indicated the Champion Stakes at Ascot will be the stage for Frankel’s valedictory performance, but the door remains tantalisingly ajar.