I suspect there are very few people experiencing rational thought who question the credentials of Frankel. However,one could cogently argue,given Cecil's statements of future intent,that it is his connections who dodged the challenge of the Eclipse and were "too scared "to take it on. This race was cited several times last Autumn,and on numerous occasions afterwards,that it would be a major target for Frankel.The simple fact is it looked too tough. We know that Abdullah is very strict when it comes to protecting his stars,as Roder Charlton let slip prior to the July Cup.He wanted to run but was overruled. It would seem Cecil is being told where to campaign Frankel which is sad.I know he would have fancied a bigger challenge. Thoughts?
Another pointless race for Frankel, chosen by the most unadventurous trainer of all time.* What is this race going to prove, we know Frankel is going to win, as we know he's a brilliant miler. Henry Cecil has waisted the majority of one of the best horses of all time's career!* He's such a boring negative trainer*
I sometimes wonder had Frankel have lost that silly race at Ascot, 2011, whether they would have looked for bigger challenges to prove himself. It is up at 10f where he could truly set his legacy against some good horses. Could he ever stay 12f?
Yes, afraid so. Farhh's a good racehorse though. Can't see him ever nailing Frankel but racing historically has its fair share of turnups!
If he hadn't had the setback in April, perhaps they would have stepped up sooner, who knows. A tendon injury has the potential to be very serious and it is quite right that they should do what is best for the horse and take their time getting him to where they want him. At no stage was the Eclipse a definite target for Frankel, it was only ever cited as a possibility. The decision was taken that the course would be too stiff an ask for a horse first time out over 1m2f, as evidenced by the fact that a horse whose best trip is arguably 1m4f won. I really think that some people like to pick holes for the sake of it, they will never be happy unless the horse wins every G1 ranging from 5f to 1m4f! Newsflash: he's a horse NOT a machine and his welfare (be it mental or physical) is, and always should be, the number one priority. TopClass, with regards to him staying 1m4f, it was pointed out to me yesterday, in light of the fact that MARS has been made Derby favourite for next year, that of the 48 runners to make it to the racecourse by Galileo out of Danehill mares, 23 have attempted to run over 12f or further. Of these just 4 have won (3 of them over hurdles/fences) and only 7 have managed to place. To me, those statistics suggest that the vast majority of horses bred on this cross will not stay 12f.
