Must admit I was slightly dissappointed, wont make the 141 on that im afraid, but he hated the ground and hes just an incredible horse, it was unrealistic to expect 6 or 7 lengths today, he go the job done and it was never in doubt. Rather keen on this Mamma Rosa today, some money around for it aswell which can only be a good thing over there.
Cirrus Des Aigles was the second-rated horse going into the race on 130. I saw him at Longchamp a couple of weeks ago (with the fit stable girl) and he routed Group 2 opposition on his preferred soft ground. I am not so sure that Frankel “blew the start” as has been suggested. I think that may have been quite deliberate by Queally to make sure that his two chief rivals were always in his sights rather than the other way around. And I agree that you would have thought that the BBC could have allowed the program to overrun in the circumstances – they would have done if it had been football – and Final Score is on their digital channel anyway.
Good old Frankel, my fears were unfounded. Could hardly expect him to 'rout' his opponents on ground he would have detested? To hell with ratings, he is just brilliant.
Your grandchildren turning round in 40 years time and saying "that horse may have gone unbeaten for 5 years including 3 Arcs but he'll never be as good as Frankel"?
Flat racing,whilst no less fascinating,is much more transient in nature than NH and it's stars generally only provide fleeting glimpses of their greatness. I have grown accustomed to that and look forward to the next chapter. The King is dead,long live the King.
Ladbrokes are currently offering Valencia at 8/11 to conquer the fabulous Athletic Club tonight. Never like betting against my own team but given the continuing problems on and off the pitch in Bilbao this price is stand out value. I have them in a single and a treble with Manure at 30/100 and Celtic at 4/9...overall pays a fraction over 2/1 It's on Sky Sports if anyone wants an interest.
Well back from Ascot. I thought Frankel was efficient, he was always on top despite fluffing the start. CDA is a heck of a horse and so is Excelebration who won as he pleased. I'm already excited for Frankel's progeny and let's hope he has a long and fertile retirement. He has been brilliant for racing. I didn't have a penny on but I was so nervous for him and I roared him home. The crowd was like a football game, people cheered like a goal had gone in when he paraded before the race! Disappointed Fame and Glory didn't stay but it's good to know he's far from finished. Have to ask if anyone knows what happened to Opinion Poll. Is he ok? Shirocco star ran a cracker on the ground and I had a win saver on the Irish mare even though I was e/w on Shirocco . Gutted about That'lldoboy I didn't see the race but hopefully it was only fitness that beat him and I might be able to get a better price NTO.
Glad you enjoyed it GGW - the atmosphere around that horse on course is just absolutely mental. Can't imagine what the fever level must have been today
Just getting the replay on now. Gonna fast forward to the big moment first, this french lass leading CDA....
Utterly fabulous day! I've never heard a crowd make a noise like it, and the gasp when he jumped off slow. Just wow!
