Sir Henry Cecil has claimed the best is still to come from Frankel as the colt puts his unbeaten record on the line once more in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Frankel is undoubtedly the star attraction on the inaugural Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) and is also Cecil’s main weapon as he tries to catch Richard Hannon and win an 11th trainer’s title.
Having begun his Classic season in April at Newbury, Frankel has been on the go for a while but those closest to him are adamant he has matured mentally and physically as the campaign has gone on.
While Frankel has carried all before him this season, Cecil is loathe to laud him as the best he has ever trained – yet.
“He is a very happy horse with a lot of energy – he never seems to get tired,” Cecil said.
“Although he is very active, he is not that hard a horse to get fit. You can give him an easy time and he comes back pretty quick,” said Cecil.
“I don’t particularly mind that it is on the straight course rather than the round at Ascot. I would not swap him, but no horse is a certainty.
“Frankel is potentially a very good horse – I think the best is still to come. If he stays right and everything goes to plan, I would like to think you will see a better horse as time goes on.
“I am not going to compare the best horses I have had over the years, they have been good friends to me.
“They have won at different distances, whether they be Ardross, Oh So Sharp or whoever they might be. They have been very good in their generations and distances. It would be very unfair to say this is the best I have ever had.
“I think this horse, as time goes on, will show you what he is and you may not even have to ask me the question.
“It is a lovely position to be in to have a horse of that capability. I have enjoyed him. I found early on that he was slightly complicated. I am a simple person and like simple things.
“There is always a bit of pressure with a horse of his calibre. You are nervous about this, that and the other. I am very happy to have him and he is a challenge. I do the best I can with him.”
AAP TURF
