[/caption]He might have been viewed as an over-ratted colt by some in the recent past, and given little chance to defeat one of the best older milers in Europe, but when it counted the most, Frankel did all his talking on the track. The Canford Cliffs and Frankel showdown is in the books and the results are nothing less than spectacular. In what will surely go down as one of the finest Sussex Stakes performances of all time, 3-year-old undefeated phenomenon Frankel took his esteemed older rival to task, winning in a hand ride for jockey Tom Queally, and proving once and for all that he is indeed the real deal, and one of the most talented runner's in history.
In a short field of just four, all eyes were trained on Frankel and Canford Cliffs who broke on top in the Sussex, with Frankel leading the way at old Goodwood. Canford Cliffs settled in just behind his rival as the field began their 7 furlong journey with Rajsaman and Rio de la Plata taking up the rear. Frankel led through easy opening fractions, under a tight hold while still opening up by more than two lengths. Canford Cliffs accelerated slightly to lead the last two by two lengths as the gargantuan strides of Frankel continued to show the way.
Swinging into the turn the positions remained relatively unchanged, Richard Hughes on Canford Cliffs kept his mount within striking distance of his younger rival, just 1 ½ lengths off the lead. Into the home straight the field charged, Frankel still holding a comfortable lead just two furlongs from home with Canford Cliffs still tracking closely in second. With a sudden move of his hands Tom Queally and Frankel surged ahead and the stands erupted with the roars from the crowd. Bursting three lengths clear in the blink of an eye, Frankel continued to pour it on as the field behind floundered for second money. With just a tap of the whip Queally and Frankel flew home, five lengths ahead of Canford Cliffs who had drifted to the far side of the track.
It was touted as the toughest test of Frankel’s young career and turned into one of his easiest and most decisive victories. Named after the late great American trainer Bobby Frankel for Juddmonte Farms, Frankel is now undefeated in eight starts and well on his way to establishing himself as one of the greatest miler’s Europe has ever seen. It seems there is more than enough substance to go around where Frankel is concerned. Next up could be the Juddmonte International for the undefeated super-star, where he could try 1 ¼ miles for the first time. After today’s performance I have no doubt he will be up to the task. While it’s unclear Juddmonte will send their incredible athlete to the Breeders’ Cup Mile in America where he would face three time Mile winner, and greatest female miler of all time, Goldikova, it does seem clear Frankel the horse could be destined for an even greater career than Frankel the man.
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