Frankel team upbeat over Champion run

Connections of Frankel are “very positive” he will run in this afternoon’s Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

There had been a slight concern the ground may be too demanding for the world’s greatest racehorse, who has won 13 races from as many starts.

A dry night at the Berkshire circuit helped soothe those fears, with his participation in the Group One over a mile and a quarter now likely after owner Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, walked the track this morning.

Grimthorpe told Sky Sports News said: “We are very positive about the whole thing. You have to go through all the correct motions. From what I’ve been told, it’s going to be OK.”

The going is officially soft on the straight course, soft, heavy in places on the round course.

Grimthorpe later told At The Races: "It's safe ground, so I don't think we'll have any problems. We’re looking forward to it."