Frankel v Canford Cliffs – ‘The Duel on the Downs’

Dear Race Fans

 

Wednesday 27th July 2011

 

FRANKEL @ 5/6 (Sussex Stakes)

 

After his seventh victory from as many career starts in the St James Palace Stakes as Royal Ascot last month, the mighty Frankel will now face the toughest test of his racing career when he takes on the invincible Canford Cliffs in tomorrow’s Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in a battle between the two best milers of this generation.

Both Frankel and Canford Cliffs are two of the best milers I have ever seen. This is no doubt the clash of the decade, the big question on everybody’s lips is ‘who is going to win?’  There are only 4 runners declared to race but you cannot look beyond the big two.

After predicting super-stardom for both horses after their first career starts, I have seen both horses go on to achieve great things. After being crowned last season’s champion two year old, Frankel has gone on to win the Qipco 2000 Guineas in sensational style before winning maintaining his unbeaten record in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot last month. Canford Cliffs who is a year older than Frankel has also been dominant, beating everything put in front of him and hasn’t tasted defeat since finishing third in the 2010 renewal of the 2000 Guineas, notching up five Group 1 races on the bounce.

On the form book there isn’t much between the two great colts. Canford Cliffs possibly has the stronger form but Frankel is still young and improving all the time. Riding tactics will certainly be a key factor to the race. Canford Cliffs is likely to be held up rear of the field by jockey Richard Hughes aiming to pounce late while Tom Queally, the man on board Frankel keep things simple without going a suicidal gallop from the start otherwise he could pay for it inside the final furlong.

Tomorrow’s mouth watering clash is a race not to miss. This is without doubt going to be the toughest race of these horses careers. I really think it will be a race to the wire, I would not surprise me which one wins, they are both very special horses. After following both horses for so long, it’s difficult to cheer one over the over but I remain firmly in the Frankel camp. How can I not be after months ago stating this could be the best thoroughbred race horse since Nijinsky. He’s got such a deadly turn of foot, I would love to see Tom Queally press the button approaching the furlong marker and see what response the brilliant Canford Cliffs has to offer.

Good Luck

Steve

The mighty Frankel puts his unbeaten record on the line against the brilliant Canford Cliffs.

 

Carlton to give Royals a house of excitement

Dear Race Fans

 Below is my selection for next month’s Investec Derby at Epsom.

 Saturday 4^th June 2011

 CARLTON HOUSE @ 2/1

Antepost Portfolio: Bet E/W at 16/1, 14/1, 11/1, 10/1, 7/1, 6/1 and 11/2.

Carlton House emerged as a genuine Derby contender after an impressive display in the Totesport Dante Stakes at York last Thursday.

 It was a performance to get Racing For Change licking their lips, a colt owned by Her Majesty The Queen now heads to Epsom on the first Saturday in June as a warm favourite.

My antepost selection went to York with questions to answer as he put his credentials on the line in a hot looking Derby trial. After showing signs of inexperience entering the starting stalls and during the early stages of the race, it wasn’t long before Carlton House got the hang of things. Approaching the two furlong marker he cruised upsides market favourite, Seville and put the race to bed in a matter of strides.

Carlton House is a horse I had my eye on since seeing him win his maiden at the back end of last year. My contact at Freemason Lodge has given positive reports during the winter/spring and putting a minor setback aside, everything had gone smoothly in the build up to his Derby trial. Carlton House will now head to Epsom for flat racing’s biggest race of the season looking to give the Queen her first Derby victory. I am confident Carlton House will improve a great deal for the run and there is no doubt he is the horse they all have to beat.

Good Luck

Steve

Carlton House emerged a leading Derby contender after winning the Dante Stakes ay York.

 

Bank on double delight for British stars Cleverly and De Gale

Dear Boxing Fans

Below is my recommended bet for next weekends boxing at the O2 Arena in London.

 Nathan Cleverly @ (4/7) and James De Gale @ (4/11) – Win Double @ 11/10

London’s O2 Arena will stage a big night of boxing next Saturday when top Welsh prospect Nathan Cleverly challenges for the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship against dangerous German opponent Jurgen Braehmer.

 

The 24 year old Welshman is undefeated in 21 fights and takes a big step forward as his looks to emulate former Welsh boxing legend Joe Calzaghe.

 

On the undercard is the highly anticipated grudge match between top British prospects James De Gale and George Groves.  The arch rivals and former amateur sparring partners will put their British and Commonwealth titles on the line in their Super Middlewight clash.

 

The recommended bet is the double for both Nathan Cleverly and James De Gale to prevail. I expect both to win, although it is likely Nathan will be in for the longer night against a solid technical opponent in Jurgen Braehmer who got the better of both Ricky Hatton and Carl Froch in the amatuers. However, Nathan’s speed and high work rate will be a big factor and I see him wearing the German down as the fight goes on.

 

James De Gale is a strong favourite of mine in his grudge match against fellow British prospect George Groves. James is improving at a rate of knots and although his opponent has also been showing signs of star potential while impressing many top judges, I am convinced he doesn’t have enough to deal with the raw ability of De Gale. James has improved with each fight and it will not be long before he becomes a World Champion.

 

The prices are too short to get involved with individually therefore the recommended double will return slightly greater than even money which is a lot more appealing to boxing enthusiasts.

 

Good Luck

Steve

James De Gale is tipped to defeat George Groves in their grudge match at the O2 Arena next Saturday.

 

Phenomenal Frankel blitzes Guineas rivals

Dear Race Fans

FRANKEL did everything expected of him and more as he made all and hammered his rivals in an astonishing performance to land the Qipco 2,000 Guineas  for trainer Henry Cecil and jockey Tom Queally by six lengths.

Queally was in no doubt about the quality of the performance that had taken him to his first British Classic success.

“By God, he showed them,” the jockey said. “He did it better than I ever thought he’d do it. The only thing this horse does is gallop so why stop him.”

The manner and swagger of Frankel’s performance was exceptional as none of the other 12 runners in the race ever got close to the unbeaten superstar, let alone threatening him.

Rerouted had been expected to make the pace for Frankel, but the 1-2 favourite exploded from the stalls and it quickly became apparent that he was not needed.

Queally accepted his position and sat still aboard the Khalid Abdullah-owned leader as he drew further and further away from his rivals with Casamento next best, seven lengths down at the halfway point.

Queally looked between his legs with just over two furlongs remaining and was no doubt stunned by the distance he was clear – and the ease at whichhe had achieved it.

All that was left to see was whether Frankel had gone too fast. He had not and although Dubawi Gold (33-1) and Native Khan (16-1) closed the gap slightly to claim second and third respectively, it was Frankel all the way as he crossed the line in 1m37.3 seconds, nearly two seconds outside the RP standard.

That was the best performance I have ever seen from a race horse. When connections said in the build up to the race that Frankel had been beating trai nson the gallops, they were not lying. This horse is something else, a freak of nature. It will not be long before this horse’s name will be alongside Nijinsky in the all time greats.

My next antepost selection will be with you soon.

Kind Regards

Steven

Superstar Frankel produced a mighty performance in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

 

Frankel back with a bang with Greenham romp

Dear Race Fans

 FRANKEL cemented his place at the head of the Qipco 2,000 Guineas market with an impressive victory on his seasonal debut in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes.

Unbeaten in four starts at two, including a Group 1 victory in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes, Frankel was sent off the 1-4 favourite in the hands of Tom Queally and never gave his supporters a moment’s worry.

Queally attempted to anchor his mount as the field jumped from the stalls but Frankel had soon pulled himself into a clear second behind stablemate Picture Editor through the first quarter-mile.

The winner did drop the bit through the middle part of the race, but such was his superiority over his five rivals, Queally soon let his mount stride on.

The Marco Botti-trained Excelebration , an unconsidered 25-1 chance, was the only rival to offer any resistance but two flicks of the whip saw Frankel move through the gears in the manor of an exceptional horse, pulling four lengths clear of the runner-up.

Frankel will now bid to emulate Wollow (1976), also trained by Henry Cecil, in completing the Greenham-Guineas double on April 30.

I was very pleased with Frankel’s performance. He was only half wound up on Saturday and there will be massive improvement to come within the next 12 days. I remain confident Frankel will win the Guineas and show the racing world within the next few months the wonder horse he is. He will soon prove the best of my generation and there will be many race fans roaring him on during his quest for greatness.

Regards

Steve

Frankel will line up in next weekend's 2000 Guineas a warm order favourite.

 

Frankel faces five rivals in Saturday’s Greenham

Dear Race Fans

 Saturday’s Greenham Stakes at Newbury is the season reappearance of last year’s top rated juvenile Frankel.

Reports from the stable have been positive during recent months and Saturday will give us an indication to whether Henry Cecil’s star has trained on, retaining the immense ability he showed last year.

I don’t expect Saturday’s Guineas trial to be a cake walk for Henry Cecil’s unbeaten star. Richard Hannon has a serious contender in Strong Suit and he is likely to give the 2000 Guineas and Derby favourite something to think about. Strong Suit was brilliant at Royal Ascot last June before disappointing twice later in the year. His connections haven’t lost faith in him and believe he could show his best this year. However, as much as I respect the opposition I would be very disappointed if Frankel was beaten. He was the best juvenile I have ever seen last year and if it proves he has trained on then the opposition he will be taking on this year might as well stay at home in their box.

 The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket is just over two weeks away. I expect Frankel to improve massively from tomorrow’s Guineas trial which will sharpen him and put him spot on for D-Day at Newmarket. His stable companions have failed to sparkle on the track this week which makes me suspect that Frankel might also be a week or so behind in his work.

Good Luck

Steve

Frankel is long odds on to retain his unbeaten record in Saturday's Greenham Stakes.

 

Superstar Frankel to become the next big thing.

Dear Race Fans

 In 1970 an Irish bred racehorse named Nijinsky became only the second horse is history to win the English Triple Crown, landing the Guineas, Derby and St Leger. Nijinsky is arguably the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history.

 2011 is going to be a big year for flat racing. Last season’s superstar juvenile Frankel is the horse the whole racing world wants to see. Unbeaten in four starts, the Henry Cecil trained colt has the potential for super-stardom and only time will tell whether he can live up to the hype surrounding him.

 Frankel’s first serious assignment will be in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket at the beginning of May. This is an ideal starting point for him and I am confident he can prove up to the task. His current odds of 5/4 do seem short considering there is no telling how has progressed from two to three. However, the trainer is confident he will be even better this year.

 I am a great believer that Frankel has everything in his locker to win the Epsom Derby the following month. However, connections have slight doubts over the horses stamina, therefore he may swerve the race to a tilt at the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in mid June.

 There are plenty of options for Frankel during the flat season and he will certainly have his chance to prove himself. Last year I travelled to both Ascot (Royal Lodge Stakes) and Newmarket (Dewhurst Stakes) to watch him run he impressed me on both occasions. I can undoubtedly say, he was the best two year old I have ever seen and the start of a new season brings huge excitement knowing the next Nijinsky might be around the corner.

Henry Cecil trained Frankel has a big year ahead of him.

 

King Kauto to land King George No.5

Dear Race Fans

Below is my antepost selection for Christmas’s feature race, the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Sunday 26th December 2010

KAUTO STAR @ 11/8

Kauto Star is my selection for the King George, a race which he has dominated for the last four years. Last Christmas, the superstar entered the history books by becoming only the second horse in history to win the King George VI Chase for a fourth time and the first to win the race four years on the trot.

 This Christmas, Kauto Star will bid for immortality as he attempts to become the first horse is history to win the King George VI Chase five times.

 In my opinion, only a deluge of snow resulting in abandonment of the meeting can prevent Kauto Star from making history at the track he has been invincible at over four previous renewals. Kauto Star is a horse in a million and last year he won his fourth King George VI Chase before taking a crashing fall in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in which Imperial Commander went on to win.

 It’s as simple as this… if Kauto Star runs anything close to his best, he will not get beat. As much as I respect Imperial Commander, he’s not in the league as an in form Kauto Star. All horses get beat, the unexpected does sometimes happen as everybody witnessed in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup when Kauto Star. However, true champions come back from defeat and just like Kauto Star has shown in the past, he will come back on Boxing Day and show everybody who is the champion.

In the last three renewals of the race, Kauto has had his rivals stone cold at the second last which is unbelievable considering it’s a Grade 1 event. He is a true champion and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. I doubt we will ever see a horse of his talent again. 

Good Luck

Steve

Kauto Star will bid for history in Boxing Day's King George VI Chase at Kempton.

 

 

Long Run defeated on seasonal reappearance

Dear Race Fans

LONG RUN suffered defeat in this months Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham leaving serious question marks on whether he can put up a serious threat to Kauto Star in Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Long Run travelled well throughout but once again his jumping let him down as he made several costly blunders. He moved into contention three out but never looked a serious threat to Little Josh who made every yard of the running.

Whether his defeat was down to the trip, the horse needing the run or something else I don’t know.  One thing I do know is, he didn’t run his true race and I certainly will not be losing faith in Long Run just yet.

His next race will be on Boxing Day in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. He is currently 7/1 which I think is decent value E/W bet. Nothing can beat the mighty Kauto Star if he turns up in similar form to which he did last year but Long Run is certainly capable of finishing in the frame if he puts his best foot forward. He produced a brilliant performance to win last year’s Feltham Chase and I think Kempton plays to his strengths.

Regards

Steve

Long Run (orange/brown) was defeated in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

 

Long Run charged for power surge

Dear Race Fans

Below is my selection for tomorrow’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Saturday 13th November 2010

LONG RUN @ 10/3 (Paddy Power Gold Cup)

LONG RUN is my selection for tomorrow’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, a race he has to win if he is to be considered a lively contender for Kauto Star’s King George crown on Boxing Day.

The Nicky Henderson trained youngster made a strong impression when winning his British debut in the Feltham Chase at Kempton last Boxing Day in mighty impressive fashion. He then followed up at Warwick before running a disappointing third in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March over an extended trip.

Recent reports state Long Run has strengthened up during the summer months and his recent homework suggests he has improved since the last campaign. He certainly has an exciting future ahead of him and it would be no surprise to me if he turns out to be a champion.

Tomorrow’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is competitive enough for his seasonal reappearance and he will have to be on song to win the race. The ground and trip will suit and he is relatively well handicaped so a bold show from him will be expected.

There is no doubt in my mind that Kauto Star is still the horse to beat in next month’s King George Chase, he is a superstar champion and will bid to become to first horse in history to win this race for a fifth time but to do so he might have to overcome his biggest threat yet in Nicky Henderson’s rising star. Long Run should not be taken lightly, he is a seriously talented horse and could be the first horse to put up a legitimate challenge the great champion in Boxing Day’s showpiece.

I advise to take the current 10/3 on offer for this weekend’s race. He will be hard to beat if he runs his true race and it should put him spot on for Boxing Day’s King George Chase. As far as that race is concerned I remain in the Kauto Star club but give Long Run huge respect and believe he is certain for at least place prize money.

Good Luck

Steve

Nicky Henderson trained Long Run is a strong fancy for Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup.