Fabulous Frankel set to light up Newbury in the Lockinge Stakes
Published:Arguably Britain’s most loved horse, Frankel will head into the Lockinge Stakes as the 3/10 favourite to make a triumphant return at Newbury.
The Sir Henry Cecil trained four-year old enjoyed an undefeated campaign last time out, winning each of his five races and victory this weekend would cap a comeback that at one point never looked on the cards.
Back in April, a wild rumour circulated as to the severity of a leg injury the horse suffered, had many writing off the Prince Khalid Abdulla owned favourite.
However, the extent of the injury proved to be minor and Frankel has gone from strength to strength in preparation for this meeting.
The soft ground at Newbury has been tipped to upset the colt and with more rain expected there have been whispers that he may struggle. Jockey Tom Queally has quashed any worries remaining fully confident in his ride no matter what the conditions.
“I’m looking forward to it and it looks like he could open his account again and keep the ball rolling.
“He won his debut in very testing conditions and he’s strong enough to get through it.”
Despite being the clear favourite, the rest of the pack will be out to put a stop to Frankel’s fairy tale, and possibly best placed to do so is Excelebration priced at 11/4.
The four-year old finished second to Frankel on three occasions last term, his other three outings ended in victory and new trainer Aidan O’Brien will be looking to secure the horse’s first success over the world’s number one racehorse.
Strong Suit is the only other genuine contender here and he is out at 14/1. But with the ground likely to be soft Richard Hannon’s main hope may struggle to keep in touch with the two arch-rivals.
Hannon’s other runner is Dubawi Gold, who finished second to Frankel in the Guineas last year and is 50/1 to claim a victory here.
