Frankel is long odds-on to preserve an impressive, unbeaten record and to record his sixth victory, in the thirteen-runner, 2,000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket today. It's the supreme test of a thoroughbred which might prove the undoing of Henry Cecil's charge, as Aidan O'Brien-trained Roderic O'Connor attempts to reverse 'Dewhurst' placings. They met last October in that highly-prestigious group one race, over seven furlongs of this great racetrack. Frankel was just over two lengths superior but 'Roderic' closed on the final climb and I remember thinking, 'it will be closer next time...'
A week or so later, Roderic O'Connor raced in France and stormed clear in the closing stages of a group one race, over a mile. One of the main reasons why I'm a serious layer of the favourite is this, is a stiff mile, even though Frankel won over a similar distance at Ascot. Horses often make up physically, from two to three and more strength enables them to sprint more effectively. The dam of this so-called 'freak' is Kind, a dead-set sprinter. On countless occasions, a precocious juvenile has developed and proved better over shorter distances. Frankel might just prove a case in point.
His extensive fan club points to the fact Frankel won his Guineas trial by scoring with a late surge in the seven furlongs 'Greenham,' earlier this month but the time-handicap mark was way short of what he achieved last year. One certainty, beyond any doubt, is THAT recent TH mark will not be good enough to win a classic, or anything like. Henry assures us "he'll improve!" but how much, in the space of a fortnight? Roderic O' Connor is a serious rival and so is 'Racing Post' winner, Casamento. Both landed grade one events as two-year-olds and have been pleasing their respective trainers. I've made no mention of the other Irish raider, Unbeaten Pathfork, trained superbly by Jessica Harrington who "can't wait!"
Neither can any of us. It's a wonderful prospect, THE true test down the fairest and most demanding racecourse on our planet. Stalls will be placed in the centre, thus negating any bias/favouritism. Incidentally, top sire Galileo will be dually represented, by Frankel and Roderic O'Connor! Rest of this wonderful, seven-race programme is 'too difficult' but there are turf-flat meetings scheduled for Goodwood/Doncaster/Thirsk where my nap, Lamasaas, is strongly-fancied by the in-form, Barry Hills' camp. One of fourteen declarations, Lamasaas will be ridden by Robert Windsor, successful on stable-companion Hail Promenader at Pontefract earlier this week - magical jockeyship. Also at this popular, left-handed North Yorkshire track, local trainer Tim Easterby saddles King Of The Celts for the Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs. What beats this Celtic Swing gelding will win and tonight, at nearby Donny, don't miss yankee anchor, Spinatrix in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs.
SELECTIONS
RACE 5 (#10) KING OF THE CELTS
RACE 10 (#6) LAMASAAS (nap)
RACE 12 (#11) RODERIC O'CONNOR (e.w.)
RACE 39 (#6) SPINATRIX
