Horse Racing

Frankel Firing For Guineas

Raging 2000 Guineas favourite Frankel is on track to deliver Henry Cecil his first 2000 Guineas in more than 30 years.

Cecil, who last won the Guineas with Wollow in 1976, believes his star undefeated colt is in top condition ahead of the race at Newmarket on Saturday.

“Frankel is very well, he did his final piece of work on Tuesday morning and we were delighted. He was lovely and relaxed in behind his lead horse and I’d be very surprised if he is not a better horse than at Newbury,” said Cecil.

This shapes as bad news for Frankel’s rivals as he was able to win his last start by four lengths in the Greenham Stakes.

“He has come on a lot for this run. He hadn’t been on the grass since last year as it has been so dry so I was thrilled he was so well behaved,” said Cecil of Frankel’s latest track gallop.

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Frankel is currently a 1/2 favourite for the race and has his rivals seem to be racing for second place.

Richard Hannon, who will saddle up lively outsider Dubawi Gold is one who believes the field is chasing second prize money.

“We’re fighting it out for the places by the looks of things. I think Frankel just has to turn up to win. He’s looked extremely good so far and, as Henry Cecil said, he’s been trained for the Guineas and not the Greenham. I don’t see anything there to beat him and I don’t see anything to race him to be honest,” said Hannon.

Hannon downplayed fears his charge Dubawi Gold would not run out the mile but stopped short of declaring his horse could pull off an upset.

“He’s a horse who has done nothing wrong this year. He is still improving and he’s settling much better now, which should help him get the mile,” said Hannon.

Eoghan O’Neill who trains Broox is another who believes that Frankel’s name is already on the winner’s check.

“We galloped Broox over the mile, and that is not a worry, but we are not confident that he will beat Frankel,” said O’Neill.

Although O’Neill could see similarities between Frankel and Broox’s sire Xaar, who was unable to capture a 2000 Guineas as a warm favourite.

“His sire, Xaar was the Frankel of 13 years ago. He was a very warm favourite going into the 2000 Guineas and got turned over.”

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