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Sussex Stakes

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Frankel, on Top of the World

After Frankel rolled by Cirrus Des Aigles in the grade one Champion Stakes, extending his record to an unbeaten 14 for 14, there was only one thought in my mind… I had just witnessed the greatest horse to ever race of all time.Read More

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BrianZipse · The best of all-time is too hard for me to compare, but ... I have no doubt that he is one of the best I've ever seen in 40 years of watching the races. · 211 days ago ·

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DanMunn1 · Great article but I'm baffled by the comment about the 'clueless ride' on Bullet Train? It was one of the smartest pieces of riding I've seen! Frankel misses the beat, Ian Mongon drops back to keep in touch as planned? · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Dan, I say that because I feel he stayed back way too long. Bullet Train is a pacemaker, would that mean his job is to make sure Frankel gets a good pace to run at, especially after the break left him behind Cirrus Des Aigles? I can understand staying back for a bit to make sure he's ok, but after that get up there and make things tough on the leaders like you're supposed to. That is where i got clueless from. Brian, you are no stranger to hard comparisons with your Star of the Week. I figured I'd bite the bullet this time :) · 211 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Really? And of course you have seen so many. Not to take away from his brilliance, but I think that is quite a stretch, in fact, not really worth arguing about. And that “clueless ride” as you so aptly put it on Bullet Train. Maybe you should have listened to the commentator during the running of the race. Bullet Train's sole purpose was to "drag Frankel along" as he put it. To me that doesn’t define “rabbit”. It’s more like a NASCAR strategy where teams race and one sets it up for another. Of course Frankel didn’t need any help. I don’t think he ever did and I’m glad his break was slow and he more or less did it on his own. Frankel! Great horse yes. Greatest of all time? Whatever you think. · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Laz, I have watched enough to formulate an opinion, and i just gave over 1000 words of facts to back it up. Please, if you'd like to slam, give us your top horse and why? If you can't walk the walk, then don't talk the talk. Also, I'm not the only one with that opinion of the ride on Bullet Train, there were also commentators who shared that same opinion. · 211 days ago ·

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DanMunn1 · Dani. Race tactics and planning, as confirmed on course by connections were not to make it a testing gallop. It was to assist with the settling of Frankel. This is why he's been the 'tow' for all of the racecourse gallops too, not to make a testing gallop as Frankel, in honesty, was the most dubious stayer of the pack over 10f. · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Okay, I'll take a stab here, dani. Would you like for me to argue against your claim with Frankel as the best ever with Dubai Millenium, Ribot, Shergar, Man O' War, Kelso, Brigadier Gerard, or Ruffian? · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · If you want I'll take Frankel and Dr. Fager for best miler of all time? · 211 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · If Frankel is the best horse in the world, I don't think there needed to be a lot of worry about the pace or the condition of the turf. Outstanding horses find ways to win races. · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Dan, while I understand that, after he noticed Frankel didn't need his assistance he should have gone about his own business, and he did. And to watch the race, once Bullet Train did move to the front he did indeed make the pace quicken, so the comment about not making the pace a testing gallop would have seemed to have gone out the window. It was an indecisive ride. Either stay back, like the connections apperently wanted, or go up and press the pace like the term pace maker would imply. You also say Frankel was questionable at that distance...How? He had won going 10.5 furlongs in his last race and won by open lengths. That would have taken care of the question mark hanging over the "can he get the distance?" question. · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Andy, Sysonby and Man O' War and Native Dancer would have to disagree on that one. lol. But I do agree that outstanding horses do find ways to win that other horses simply cannot. RA for example, those fractions in the Haskell(?) were like a 5f sprint. · 211 days ago ·

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DanMunn1 · Dani. I said most dubious stayer of the pack. All of the other rivals had proven their stamina on more than one occasion over 10f on that kind of ground. To be honest, I heard the tactics from the connections themselves and, to be honest, I'm not getting into an argument with someone less than 24hrs after I witnessed the greatest race of my life as it'll spoil it so I'll leave you to it. · 211 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · frankel is the best as it showed he can win from anyway where. he will crush you from anywhere on the track. it was great watching all his races, fantastic horse · 211 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · Declaring Frankel the greatest of all time seems to be driven more by emotion rather than historical perspective. While I have no problem saying he's one of the best European runners of all time, let's not forget he's only run 14 races, with an average of 4.3 races per year. Not to mention that Frankel never once faced his elders without the help of the hopeless pacemaker, Bullet Train. I don't doubt Frankel is a freak and will always have a place in history as one of the best, but I feel it's a bit of a double standard when some are flabbergasted when they hear people even suggest that Zenyatta was the greatest female racehorse in history, while at the same time having absolutely no doubt Frankel deserves the #1 spot, despite not having even run in the most prestigious race in Europe, the Arc D’Triomphe. I love Frankel, but there are simply too many other great horses in history for me to say he is without a doubt the best ever. · 211 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · I don’t recall slamming your piece Dead-Heat. My bad. I just had the audacity of not agreeing with it. I agree that Frankel is brilliant, but to call him the best ever is definitely a stretch. He never faced a Sea Bird, Nijinsky, Ribot, Mill Reef, Alleged, Brigadier Gerard, Miesque, and more recently Zarkava and Sea the Stars, etc. and etc.; and that’s just confining it to some of the great European horses. Forget about the Orient and to some degree the Middle-East. And I won’t even bother bringing up American dirt horses like Citation, Seattle Slew, etc., or American horses that were proficient on turf into the conversation like Secretariat, Kelso, Lure, Dr. Fager and many more. I would love to see how Frankel would have stacked up against Round Table, a horse that won at 9 different distances between 6F and 13F and who carried weights ranging from 130 to 136 lbs. to victory 16 times, and every time giving away large spreads of weight. He won 14 of 16 career turf races, losing one when he finished last after sustaining and injury, and the United Nations Hdcp by a half-length when giving the winner 17 lbs (130 to 113) and breaking the track record by a full second to boot. Frankel never really gave weight in his career. He might have carried heavy weights at times, but so did his main competitors. As for distances, the great filly Zarkava was a top miler and also won two 12F races including the Arc, both those wins at three and both against older horses. She won all her races coming from behind with a whirlwind finish, and won them easily in margins from 2 to 3 lengths, which was all she needed to do to show her dominance. STS won in multiple distances ranging from 7F to 12F and four times as a three year old defeated the best older horses in Europe, including Conduit, a two time BC Turf winner and IMO a much better horse than SN Abby. Maybe you forgot, or maybe you aren’t really aware of the dominance of unbeaten Ribot a two-time Arc winner; Nijinsky’s great TC run; Brigadier Gerard’s incredible 17 wins in 18 starts, his only loss when Roberto ran a race of a lifetime; Alleged’s 9 wins in 10 starts, 6 of them at 12F; Sea Bird absolutely humbling one of the deepest Arc fields of all time; Mill Reef, like Brigadier Gerard, winning important races in distances from 6F to 12F during his stellar career, one of those losses to Brigadier Gerard. I could go on and fill several pages about these great horse’s accomplishments and then make a comparison to Frankel’s career and the quality of many of the horses that he faced and compare it to the quality of many of the horses that they faced, but I have a feeling it would be lost on you. · 211 days ago ·

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rafirox · Obviously Dani is clueless about this subject. Bullet Train was ridden great yesterday. The point was, he didn't want to go out up front and kill Bullet Train, then the other pace maker would slow the race down. Bullet Train waited, applying pressure. Then, he quickened up the pace in the middle of the race to tire the other one out. · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Laz, if you aren't willing to stick your neck out and pick one horse, before picking apart another then you have no right to pick. Disagree if you will, but at least i picked one horse, and backed it up. You say he never faced a some of the greats...Canford Cliffs beat Goldikova, one of the most well respected milers in Europe, Immortal Verse did the same and he beat that one as well. If you wish to slam his competition, then first look at who he beat. Three champions are there, and many multiple groupe one winners. Also, many of those greats never faced the likes of the others you listed. Double standard there. Zarkava, while versatile, never raced under a mile nor past three. You mention triple crown runs, that's great and brilliant stretch of running, Frankel was brilliant his whole career. Many would argue that Cirrus Des Aigles ran a race of a lifetime, Frankel won. Great horses win, and he won no matter what, he was brilliant no matter what, and did it over a span of 3 seasons. These horses are great, but they had their flaws. Frankel had none. · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Dani I let you PICK a horse and you still won't debate with me. And aren't you the writer of dead heat DEBATES? · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · It is important to remember how Frankel's biggest loss was when the field got away from him. Bullet Train did not need to act as a rabbit, he was to act like a teacher and keep little nutty Frankel out of his own whackjob mind. · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Cocoa, pick any horse you want. Not really fair for me to pick one. You want to pick one of the ones you listed at random, and i'll debate it with you, it could be fun ;) At three i might agree with your last statement, but at four, I don't think Frankel ever really needed Bullet Train. His unflappable attitude in the Champion demonstrates that. · 211 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · The good doctor might be a good candidate but I think I'll go with Ribot. EVERY horse is governed by pace. Some, like Ruffian, were not governed as much as a horse such as Dr. Fager when he faced the rabbit in the 67(?) woodward. · 211 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dani, first of all I didn’t pick apart Frankel so maybe instead of getting all hot headed and uptight and self-righteous because someone (of many) doesn’t happen to agree with you, you should actually try to comprehend what was written. I simply stated that Frankel isn’t, nor will he ever be, the best ever. That’s my opinion and I hope that like you I’m allowed to have one. As far as picking a horse, I thought I just picked a dozen or so. In fact I will go as far to say that Frankel would have met his match with Round Table alone. Round Table ran during four years; was a top rated three year old in what was arguably the deepest American three year old dirt crop ever; ran 66 times in his career and often ran three and sometimes four races in a single month against the top competition in N/A; won at multiple distances from 6F to 13F; won 16 races carrying 130 to 136 lbs. and always gave large amounts of weight; 16 times ran the fastest three year time for various distances at different tracks; on dirt won a 10F Hollywood Gold Cup at three in 1.58.3/5 (one of four sub 2 minute 10F races on dirt in his career); a mile on dirt in 1.33 2/5 while carrying 130 lbs., 9F in 1.46 4/5 carrying 130 lbs.; and on turf won at 9F in 1.47 1/5 carrying 132 lbs. and 10F in 1.58 2/5 carrying 132 lbs. Arguably he was the best American Turf Horse all time and it’s a shame that he never got the chance to run in Europe. And yet as good as Round Table was, there are many N/A horses rated well ahead of him, though if the rating was based on turf racing alone he would have been included among the best with Secretariat, Kelso, Fort Marcy and Dr. Fager, all of which proved their prowess on dirt, but in their limited starts on turf also showed their brilliance. As for Frankel and the so called incomperable competition that he has faced let’s see: Slim Shadey won a G2 in N/A and was dusted by Little Mike and Acclamation in G1 races and Bourbon Bay in a G2; Treasure Beach is a nice horse but didn’t Point of Entry just run away from him in the Turf Classic and I don’t hear where that one is included in the discussion as best ever; Dream Ahead (a US bred) improved greatly after Frankel; Farhh who finished second to Frankel twice in a row and both at equal weights has still never won a G1 race. As of this writing he won 3 of 8 starts. Cirrus Des Aigles has won 16 and lost TWENTY-NINE of his lifetime starts. A couple of starts ago he wasn’t even close to Golden Lilac (the best that one has beaten was Galikova who in turn beat her, and Galikova was no match for Danedream, another that Frankel never faced); and Planteur, a single G1 winner. Excelebration is a good miler but certainly no better than Canford Cliffs, Miesque, or even Goldikova. The best horse he has beaten appears to be Cityscape, yesterday, and a few weeks back Wise Dan humbled that one into defeat and won with much to spare. Nathanial is a very good horse, but I don’t think he is the horse he was last year, certainly not in the final furlong. St. Nicholas Abby has won a single race this year and as has often been stated is at his best at 12F (he faced Frankel at 10F though I don’t think he would beat Frankel at 12F either) a distance that Frankel has never tried, not that I’m holding that against him because I’m not. As for SNA’s BC Turf win, Conduit beat tougher fields during both his wins and Conduit was definitely no match for Sea The Stars. To put it bluntly, Frankel never met the quality of horses that I stated in my previous post and I guarantee, and so will many others, that he would never dominate any of them, even if he was good enough to win a few races against them, the way he dominates the bunch he has faced in his career. · 211 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Frankel is a great horse and well deserving of the accolades. The best ever in Europe, I would have to give that to Ribot. The best Euro I ever saw race would have to be Brigadier Gerrard. Best American horse is one of the ones I saw race multiple times and that would Kelso. · 211 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · cocoa, looking at their records and comparing, I have to say, the two horses strike me as very similar. Both top two year olds, both top three year olds and both dominant older horses. It would seem to me Ribot was race at distances, where Frankel remained at a mile for most of his career. Both could do short, both could also stretch out, both could run over any kind of conditions as well. Both also had the brilliance factor. After looking at his record, I would not argue with anyone who wished to pick Ribot as the best. I personally would still choose Frankel, and in this case one could say that it is more of a bias, since I was able to witness him in action and was not Ribot. However, I would still not argue with one who would call Ribot the best of all time. Laz, you are bias and twist the facts to suite you. If I remember correctly, when comparing Zapper and Curlin's competition, you noted how many wonderous horse's Zapper faced, but failed to mention that most of the horses you listed only reached their full peak after they met Zapper. However, here you pick out Dream Ahead, saying he became much better after facing Frankel. You also choose to slam Cirrus, tell me, Laz, what is that horse's recent form? What is his form over soft ground? I'll save you the time, his recent for is a romping win in his last start and he is know to relish, yes, relish soft going. Again, don't pick and choose facts. No need to act like a politician. Excelebration, if not for Frankel would be one of the most dominant milers in Europe as of now. I seriously doubt anyone on either side of the pond would deny that, so slandering him, especially after the QEII win, won't get you anywhere. You say Nathaniel is not the same horse, really? A grade one winner this year, second twice behind last year's Arc winner and the outstanding filly Snow Fairy. His only other start was a third in the champion behind the Frankel and the race's defendig champion. Hardly seems like he has taken a drop in form. Also you compare him to Round Table. Sorry, but it is no secret that American tracks are firmer, faster, and flater, meaning you will most likely see faster times on our side of the pond. So listing times, and trying to use them to prove dominance, is reaching just a bit. At the conclusion of this, I think it's very clear of your bias against Frankel, for he clearly did face quality horses throughout his entire career, a fact you refuse to acknowledge. However, the great thing about America is that you can have your opinion and you have the right to choose to ignore facts. Have a good night Laz. · 211 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dani. Sorry. I don’t twist the facts, I state them. For instance, when Saint Liam ran that head-to-head Woodward against Ghostzapper, it’s true, he still wasn’t a G1 winner. That would come immediately after. However, with the possible exception of the Whitney, in which he finished second to Commentator the following year, the race he ran that day against Ghostzapper was as good or better than any race he would subsequently run during the remainder of his career and that includes wins in the Clark, Donn, Foster, Woodward and BCC. That day he ran on the lead with lights out fractions of 45 3/5, 1.08 3/5, 1.33 1/5 and finished in 1.46 1/5 and he did it while carrying 126 lbs. That performance wasn’t a fluke. It was because he was good with a capital G. Roses in May had already won a Whitney and in his final two races after the BCC loss to GZ would finish 2nd in that Donn to St. Liam and then win the World Cup. Pleasantly Perfect had already won a Pacific Classic, Dubai World Cup and BCC before being soundly defeated by Ghostzapper. Where’s the bias? Here’s a bias though. When Zenyatta defeated Twice Over the feeling was so what, Twice Over wasn’t all that much to begin with, and yet when Frankel defeats him he defeated a really good horse. Here’s another. Dream Ahead, whom Frankel defeated in 2011, was a multi G1 winner of two races before they met and I believe three after. However, he never won a G1 past 7F his absolute limit (they never even entered him in a longer race). The majority of his wins were at 6F and two at 7F, not at a mile. And yes, he was much better after Frankel. He defeated Goldikova in his final start. I doubt very much he would have even warmed her up before he faced Frankel. As for Cirrus and any advantage he was supposed to have because of the soft turf. It seems to me that Frankel won two races this year on turf listed as yielding including the Queen Anne Stakes when he defeated Excelebration by 11 lengths. Yielding is considered slower and deeper than soft. So tell me, who had the advantage? As for Nathanial. He has all of a SINGLE win this year period. News flash. Two other horses have defeated him besides Frankel. Maybe you should include them in your analysis for the Best Ever. As for Round Table, I only mentioned his fast times to show his quality and ability to run on different surfaces and at different distances and while carrying heavy weights and giving a lot of weight to his opponents, and this at a particular time in America when race surfaces weren’t all that fast, certainly nowhere near as fast as they are now. He also ran and won on various types of off tracks. I know that in Euro racing times aren’t important and I’m sure that if Frankel would have run on fast turf course without hills he would have run some really fast times too. I also mentioned Round Table because he ran 66 times over four years, came back after a bad leg injury, gave vast advantages to his competitors race in and race out, had a stellar record and yet wasn’t even in the top 16 in the Bloodhorse top 100. I could still name 10 European horses that I would rate ahead of Frankel, but that would be a waste of my time. I will state that IMO Frankel is an all-time great, one of many all-time greats, not just a few all-time greats. But to say he’s better than Ribot, for instance, is like you said, your opinion. Here’s an analogy for his second Arc win: Longchamp - 2,400m WON - cantered to victory by an official 6 lengths, never off the bit at any time from Talgo (horse) in second, beating a field consisting of the English Oaks winner, French Oaks winner, two Irish Derby winners, Grand Prix de Paris winner, French St Leger winner, Laurel Invitational winner and the runner up in the Belmont Stakes. Photographs suggest that the winning margin was more like eight and a half lengths. Frankel never faced a deep field like that. · 211 days ago ·

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travel_vic · EVER? ALL time? surely you jest. the breed has been around, officially since about 1750, and it ALL THAT TIME this one is BEST? Hogwash · 211 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · LAZMANNICK, Buckpasser, travel_vic, footlick, Mary Z, zxswordxz, cocoa2, and others who don't come to mind right now but are here, thank you for the balance, objectivity and facts you provide on this sight which also gives me the luxury of sitting back and reading a thread with thorough enjoyment, and many times amusement. Dani, I realize you're involved in this sport and have first hand knowledge of thoroughbred's and as you've stated have studied racing for 10 years. However some points of view I have. The above mentioned people along with others have centuries of both first hand knowledge and study. To keep this short the most important aspect of any argument you take part in (and you can look through your comments) is you have never felt you were in error on a single point, let alone any argument. If you really want intelligent converstation I suggest in all good faith you entertain the possiblity you're not infallable. I say this because you have great potential as a contributor but not with the absolute "need to be right" attitude which will be your undoing. If I didn't think you were worth it I wouldn't waste my time, but I do, so I hope you take this as constructive. Have a nice evening. · 210 days ago ·

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railbird33 · Greatest horse ever,,, always brings out the best comments on this site. One piece of information I would like to see, did Frankel set any stakes or track records in his fourteen wins. ?? That's the true test of the greatest, not beating the other horses in the gate IMO · 210 days ago ·

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travel_vic · If your horse blows away field after field, WHY push him to gain some track record. There is no bonus money for that. · 210 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Test of greatness are all about ADAPTATION and that often is overcoming things normally a handicap: weight carrying, running in differeing styles over differing surfaces, in all weather, with different riders, and against the best. Take a horse like JOhn Henry: longevity, weight carrying, took on all comers on both surfaces for a LONG time. Those accumulative accolades spell champion. · 210 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Or, find a horse that just changes the history of the game with a uniqueness heretofore never seen: Speed Fager, overcoming racing style: Zenyatta, PURE speed at a distance too; Secretariat. These were not perfect but so unique that they deserve the title of immortals in racing. · 210 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · railbird, that is by far the worst test. A record is nice to have, but a lot of things can go into times, one of the biggest being the track. Quality Road set a record in the Florida Derby, but it was his Donn record i respect, since his FD record came over a very souped up track. Position and pace can also play a huge roll in that. If the pace is slow, you most likely won't see a closer rushing up and getting a record. Sometimes even when the pace is quick a closer may not set a record due to a pace meltdown. Brilliance, body of work, longevity, and versatility are all much better ways to assess a horse's greatness. · 210 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Thanks, icy. I enjoy your comments, too. Tim, don't feel left out :) · 210 days ago ·

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footlick · Thanks icy. It is nice to be included in that group. You bring alot to the table also, don't forget. I especially appreciate you knowledge on standardbreds. · 210 days ago ·

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travel_vic · COcoa again shows his ignornace. NOT every horse is governed by pace. Affirmed and Fager WERE the pace and evey one else reacted to them · 210 days ago ·

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railbird33 · As T_V and others have pointed out, greatness doesn't have a clear measure; wins, times, earnings, competiton, endurance, can all figure into the mix. In my 40 + years as a handicapper and fan, I know I've missed 90% of the great ones. · 210 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Icy. Very flattered to be included in such a group. Always love hearing from a fellow harness fan and well as someone who knows betting and thoroughbred racing as well as you do. · 210 days ago ·

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bernardini3 · Frankel is obviously an amazing horse which can be and should be understood by all horsemen. But there is no way I could possibly classify Frankel ast he greatest horse of all time. He never ventured from where he was comfortable to challenge the champions of America. Now we'll never know how good he truly was... · 210 days ago ·

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bernardini3 · Frankel is obviously an amazing horse which can be and should be understood by all horsemen. But there is no way I could possibly classify Frankel ast he greatest horse of all time. He never ventured from where he was comfortable to challenge the champions of America. Now we'll never know how good he truly was... · 210 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Bernardini, how often do American champions travel to Europe? almost never. enough with the double standards. · 210 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Travel_vic again shows his ignorance. Dr. Fager was beat by 15 lengths due to him being governed by pace. Affirmed was also governed by pace. If he was pressed a closer could come and win. Ignorance, pure ignorance. · 210 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Good write up Laura and yes Frankel has been one of the greatest in modern times. · 210 days ago ·

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travel_vic · you made a blanket statement about ALL races are goverened ypace. NOT when a horse gets out front and dictates it to the entire field, they are not afffected by it. · 209 days ago ·

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freddycaple · Definitely a great. Say "all time" really is difficult when thinking about it over a span of time. So much changes over the years. I do believe he is one of the greatest though. derbydeals.com · 209 days ago ·

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likin sparks · One thing I really admire is that Frankel went all 14 with out any race day medication. Just shows that horses can be freaks without doping. · 209 days ago ·

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travel_vic · There are many who believe Secretariat "couldn't have been so dominant" without drugs, but then they never stood next to him like I did, tiwce, and no different. · 209 days ago ·

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ILuvTurfRacing · I think it's really difficult to compare the all-time great horses across generations, but I agree with Brian Zipse. In my 30+ years now of following the sport Frankel is definitely among the very best horses I've ever seen!! I don't know that I can remember any other horse who's first big initial burst of speed when ask for run just left fields for dead the way Frankel's initial burst did. The "so-called" experts and racing fans alike will be debating for years to come whether Frankel was the greatest of all time or not? Regardless of whether you feel he was or wasn't? We're not likely to see another horse of his caliber for another 20 or 30 years, IMO. I think everyone would agree that Frankel was absolutely an amazing animal to watch on a racetrack!! · 209 days ago ·

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likin sparks · You know TV, many of us would envy that and just being able to see Secretariat or Frankel race live would be a life lasting memory. · 209 days ago ·

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travel_vic · ALL here, owe it to yourself to save your money, write the various farms in and around Lexington, and go there. GO THERE in November: not much going on, it is cold so many stay away. it is often just you and the stallion as it was for me an Alydar, Sect, Bid, Cougar, Ack Ack, Prospector, Tom Rolfe, In Reality, Dmascus, Polish Navy, Nijinsky, Ferdinand, Cox's Ridge, Slew, Slew O'Gold, Gato del Sol, Bodl Forbes,Exceller, ....when you are there by yourself, you "own" the place. Al the fams addresses are on line. Devil's Bag, Danzig etc all there to see one on one when I visited in November. · 209 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Great advice, tv! I'd much rather see them up close like that and plan on doing a farm tour in a coiuple of years. · 208 days ago ·

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notobsessed · right after I learn to type · 208 days ago ·

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Carrying on the Frankel Dream‏

Great Britain was once again treated to a phenomenal display of equine perfection ... Read More

Show All 4 Comments
zatt · Awesomeness! · 292 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Dan, you are a lucky man to get and see Frankel in person! · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · Thanks for the "man on the ground" accounting. Exciting that HRN will be covering live from Longchamp! · 292 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · He is a monster of a racehorse. I don't think he'll have any probelm with 10f since he has learned to relax. His ability is well above any other horse currently racing. I only wish that SYT was still around, so that we could have seen them match up. · 288 days ago ·

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The Legacy of Frankel

With an assist from William Shakespeare, Zipse at the Track offers his perspective on the career crossroads the world's best has reached.Read More

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AndyScoggin · I would love to see Frankel run at any place or any distance. C'mon make his namesake proud and race him in the country of Bobby Frankel. · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · I see no problem with Frankel handling the Juddmonte, which has always been a goal (perhaps more of a goal of his owner, who is sponsor of the JI). His maturity as a 4 yr-old and ability to relax will help him get the 1 1/4, along with his pedigree and class. I am thrilled that Cecil is also considering the Championship, also at 1 1/4. Watching talent is never boring, be it at 1 mile or 1 1/4, be it a 100m or a marathon. Supreme talent is breathtaking. I saw it today. · 292 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · If there was ever a time to cash in some frequent flyer miles to the UK, August 20th might be the time to do it. I'd even battle the Olympic crowds with a smile on my face for what is going to come on August 22nd. It never gets boring to watch this horse. When he explodes at the 2f marker it gives me goosebumps · 292 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · He will absolutely destroy the Juddmonte Field. Do you people not see for your own eyes how much he has changed in regards to how he runs. He went from a run and gun Miler to a Horse that has over every race this year rated, and exploded when asked. He will leave ST.Nicholas Abbey, and Camelot, and whoever else Ballydoyle want to enter. This is a class horse, and you find him boring, well go tell the Euro connections to enter their horses against him. The Best miler for sure, and he will show that he is the best 10 furlong horse also. · 292 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Yes, bring on the distance. About the workout today, he can bore me anytime, lol. That was beautiful. · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · I have no doubt he will win. But I thought the same of Zenyatta in the 2010 BCC. I hope he can do it though. · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · Frankel's connections are now speaking of taking him to Longchamps for the Prix du Moulin. Just when Excelebration (last year's winner) thought he had this one in the bag... · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · hah! Excelebration can't beat Frankel. How many times has he beat him? Twice? · 292 days ago ·

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northport · five times · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · Even more than I expected. Why not make it a 6th time? · 292 days ago ·

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jasen.mangrum · I'd normally say if it ain't broke don't fix it, but I agree, I'd like to see him face new challenges. · 291 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Frankels connections are cowards.. · 291 days ago ·

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Fearsome Frankel Returns to Action in Sussex

THE wait to see Usain Bolt at London 2012 continues but an even quicker athlete will hit the track at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday when the fearsome Frankel returns to action. Bolt may be odds-on favourite for the 100 metres gold medal but he is a massive price to win compared to Frankel who is as...Read More

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yukichan · Anytime he runs, it's exciting! PS, Usain is not the one to beat tomorrow--Yohan Blake will win the 100m! · 293 days ago ·

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rossington · Frankly, I'm starting to believe that Sir Henry Cecil is coddling Frankel a bit too much. His younger full brother with the very same, identical pedigree of Frankel has run 4 straight outstanding races now in listed in group stakes company. 2 at 10f and 2 at 12f. Winning the G3 Gordon Stakes today at 12f, and not finishing worse than 2nd in any of the 4. Honestly, I don't think Frankel should even be running in the Sussex Stakes this year. He should really already have at least one race under his belt by now at 10f. Either the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot or the G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, and Cecil should be thinking ahead to the next 10f target like the upcoming G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August. But TJMO. · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · I agree. If he wasn't so afraid, he would take him to a BC race on the turf. · 292 days ago ·

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footlick · rossington- there are many cases of full siblings not performing well at the exact same distance. SHC has always said it is not his ability that he questions, it is the maturity of Frankel;'s mind. He needs to see that he can be patient in a race before he stretches him out. The man knows what he is doing, so there is a very good reason I am sure. · 292 days ago ·

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footlick · URR- the Breeder's Cup is not as important as you seem to think. · 292 days ago ·

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ILuvTurfRacing · @UnionRagsRules, Henry Cecil has already said pretty adamantly in multiple interviews that he does not intend on bringing Frankel to America for the Breeders Cup unless Prince Khalid Abdullah over-rules him, which isn't likely at all. The G1 Juddmonte International Stakes over 10f at York will be next for him in a couple of weeks. Depending on how he does at York, the G1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown over 10f has been mentioned as a possible September target for him, and then either the G1 Champion Stakes at 10f or the G1 QE II Stakes at 8f at Ascot in October. After that, it's off to the breeding shed for Mr. Frankel, I'm afraid. · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · Well maybe I'm wrong, but I think that not only is it because of Cecil's "dentist appointment" but maybe he does not travel well. There are a lot of reasons why but I just don't get it. · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · STOP THE PRESSES! Frankel in France? Quite possibly so! Racing Post reports: Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said after Frankel's Sussex stroll: "There are two obvious races left for him, the Juddmonte and the Champion Stakes, but there is a gap of nearly two months between them and Henry may decide to give him a race in between, possibly something like the Prix du Moulin. · 292 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · Wow, so cool that they may put him in France. Glad there moving his workouts around a little bit. lol · 292 days ago ·

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travel_vic · to be thought very good in Europe, a vcitory in England or France and possibly Ireland is a must. · 292 days ago ·

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Frankel Toys With Overmatched Sussex Rivals

FRANKEL again showed just why he is the best racehorse in the world with another dominating, dismissive, destructive performance to make it 12 wins from 12 in the Sussex Stakes. Read More

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forego139 · Robert (Bobby) Frankel has comeback as a horse and is just as dominate as a race horse as he was a trainer, "You go boy" · 292 days ago ·

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travel_vic · No, if it were Frankel he would watch all the other races INSIDE. I was at two match races Frankel set up. First he challenged the best (at that time) sprinter at 2 furlongs versus a q-horse named Chirawiri. The latter was on top by 3 out of the gate and never loked back. Then about three months later he brought a good t-bred to Los Alamitos to race their best 870 yd runner in a match and he beat them too. Don't be with this guy was the lesson learned! · 292 days ago ·

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Sussex Stakes

Another stroll for Frankel? Maybe. A reminder from Racing Post: Eclipse runner-up Farhh is the second highest rated in the race but is a whopping 18lb behind Frankel on 122 which over the Sussex Stakes distance of a mile equates to about nine or ten lengths. Bullet Train goes into the race 29lb behind his stable companion on 111 and Richard Fahey's three year old Gabrial is 32lb adrift on 108.

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Mr. Thirsty · Did Frankel win? · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · Nice to have a big brother like Bullet Train. It was indeed a stroll for the mighty Frankel. · 292 days ago ·

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yukichan · Frankel, Farhh, Gabrial, Bullet Train. · 292 days ago ·

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Here we go.........Frankel Time!‏

Frankel has scared off most of the competition in his probable final appearance over the mile distance.Read More

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yukichan · Here, here! Another Wonderful piece. My thoughts were a 1-2 Frankel, Bullet Train, with Frahh rallying for 3rd. · 293 days ago ·

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ruffian65 · Great article Dan! Love Frankel...he is something else. · 293 days ago ·

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northport · Bullet train will set the pace then fade to last in the final two furlongs... Frankel, farhh, then gabrial · 292 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · I would love to see Frankel/Bullet Train 1-2. BT deserves it, even if it is only a 2nd place finish to his 'commander in chief' · 292 days ago ·

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Fabulous Frankel Does It Again

FRANKEL was hailed as one of the all-time greats by his legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil after he stretched his unbeaten record to eight when he dismissed Canford Cliffs in devastating fashion in Goodwood's much-vaunted Duel on the Downs.Read More

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zatt · From the Juddmonte FB page "Frankel will have one more race this season in the QEII Stakes at Ascot and he will stay in training as a 4yo." · 663 days ago ·

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medlocke · Every time I watch the replay of the Sussex Stakes, I shake my head in disbelief!! The burst of speed that Frankel uncorked at Goodwood today was unbelievable. Anyone who's followed Canford Cliffs know's that the turn of foot that he has isn't chopped liver by any means. But when you can create a burst of speed that leaves a horse like Canford Cliffs for dead, then you're truly in a league of your own. At a mile, anyway. · 663 days ago ·

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BradMolander · Frankel has NOTHING on BLACK CAVIAR.... SHE WOULD THRASH HIM!!!!! END OF STORY!!! · 663 days ago ·

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'Clash of the Titans' Set for Glorious Goodwood

Superstar milers Frankel and Canford Cliffs are set to clash in the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday.Read More

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BrianZipse · I can't wait for this one ... my pick is Canford Cliffs, but the weight difference is a concern. · 664 days ago ·

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medlocke · This truly is a clash of 2 titans of the sport right now!! I agree with you Brian Zipse, I'm also picking Canford Cliffs. But him having to give away 8 or 9lbs. to Frankel is a serious concern. But, IMO, I think with only 4 horses in the field, this race becomes as much about tactics as it does speed. That's where Canford Cliffs will have the advantage, IMO. The pressure's more on Tom Queally riding Frankel to keep his unbeaten record in tact than it is on Richard Hughes and Canford Cliffs. Because Canford Cliffs has already been beaten in his career. Although, he has a 5 straight G1 winning streak on the line himself. Frankel's a beast. But so is the horse that's going to be running at him. I say Canford Cliffs beats Frankel in the Sussex Stakes by a head. TJMO. · 664 days ago ·

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mary.schweitzer · No doubt this will be a tactical race. I'm going with Frankel in this one; I think he's the only one who can either go with it on the front end, or lay off the pace. He'll be up front and be allowed to dictate things...with Canford Cliffs right off of him. Definitely will be a close one. :) · 664 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · I love both colts but really like the way Frankel explodes away from his fields. If they don't try to rate him again I think he could win this with the big weight break. The distance favors Canford Cliffs and beating Goldikova is one of the toughest things to do in racing, that deserves a ton of respect. · 664 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · This truly could be one of the top five races this year anywhere in the world. It would be too much to hope that these two along with Goldi line up in the BC Turf Mile. I would love to see Twirling Candy in that race too. · 664 days ago ·

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TimSmith · I am thinking C.C teaches Frankel a lesson. Easy win. The only reason I would want Frankel to win is then it might make the connections of Frankel consider the BCmile. · 664 days ago ·

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BrittanyHamilton · What time will this race be on tv?? I have always wanted to watch Frankel race · 664 days ago ·

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medlocke · @BrittanyHamilton, You'll be able to see the G1 Sussex Stakes live on HRTV at 10:10 A.M. east coast time. Frankel at 8-11, Canford Cliffs at 11-8. Give me the 11-8 on Canford Cliffs all day long. Don't get me wrong, I think Frankel one of the best 3yr.old's that's come along in a long time, and he's got freakish ability. That said, Frankel's unbeaten record is all placated on having beaten other 3yr.old's that were clearly inferior to him. He's never faced older horses, and he's going right straight to the top of the list among older horses taking on Canford Cliffs. Frankel's never faced another horse with anywhere near the kind of speed and tactical ability that Canford Cliffs has. It's no accident that Canford Cliffs beat Goldikova pretty easily at Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes, and it's also no accident that he's reeled off 5 straight major G1 win's at a mile on turf. Going back to the 2010 season, Canford Cliffs has won the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas, the G1 St James's Palace Stakes, the G1 Sussex Stakes, the G1 Lockinge Stakes, and the G1 Queen Anne Stakes in succession. He's faced some really tough milers in those 5 races, too. Canford Cliffs will beat Frankel in this year's Sussex Stakes, IMO. · 664 days ago ·

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BrittanyHamilton · Thanks. Will it be on TVG? I sadly dont have HRTV :p. I think Frankel will beat Canford Cliffs easily. It will be a great race either way though. · 664 days ago ·

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medlocke · @BrittanyHamilton, My guess is that TVG will also show the Sussex Stakes, too. TVG and HRTV usually both show the major G1 races from the UK and Ireland!! · 664 days ago ·

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BrittanyHamilton · ok thanks!! · 664 days ago ·

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rossington · It's the fastest 3yr.old in racing at a mile on turf. Going against the fastest 4yr.old in racing at a mile on turf. Both Canford Cliffs and Frankel absolutely reek of class!! Whichever one win's this race? I can't say that I'll be surprised by the outcome. The only way I'd be shocked at the outcome of this year's Sussex Stakes would be if Rajsaman or Rio De La Plata end up winning the race. · 664 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · With 8lbs advantage and a tacticle advantage I think Frank does have the upper hand. I'm rooting for the youngster. · 664 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Top 4yo old against top 3yo in July. CC has huge advantage that 8lbs isn't going to make up for for Frankel · 664 days ago ·

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yukichan · Think Frankel has the edge...though he won his last outing (mile) by a short length...cannot forget his win in the 2000 Guineas by 6 lengths over Dubawi Gold... · 664 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · If this was run at the end of September I would go with Frankle but unless this horse is a freak like Secretariat he's at a huge age disadvantage. · 664 days ago ·

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footlick · Wow......... · 663 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Looks to me like he's a freak. 3yos just don't beat top older horses that way in July. · 663 days ago ·

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5:16 AM

Frankel wins easily over Canford Cliffs in the Sussex.

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Frankel Strong Sussex Favorite

CORAL on Sunday became the first firm to go odds-on about Frankel in his eagerly awaited clash with Canford Cliffs in the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.Rival bookmakers make the unbeaten Henry Cecil-trained three-year-old a general 11-10 chance ashe takes on the older brigade for the firs...Read More

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timgsmith10 · Frankel Favored over Canford Cliffs? How? · 679 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Give me Canford Cliffs! · 679 days ago ·

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BikinMike444 · Pounding that 11-8, let's go Canford · 679 days ago ·

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medlocke · Without a doubt, Frankel's a special horse with freakish ability. He's made some very good looking 3yr.old's look very ordinary so far in his career. That said, I don't think there's a better turf miler in racing right now than Canford Cliffs. I think Frankel being the favorite in the Sussex Stakes stems in large part from him having to give Frankel 9lbs. in the race. But Canford Cliffs is a big bull of a horse himself, with an incredible turn of foot. It's no accident that he beat Goldikova in this year's Queen Anne Stakes, and it's also no accident that he's won 5 straight major G1 races at a mile on turf. Frankel's great. But he's yet to face a horse with the speed and tactical ability that Canford Cliffs possesses. My $$ says that Canford Cliffs repeats as Sussex Stakes champion again this year!! But it should be a fantastic race!! · 669 days ago ·

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Darley Days & 2-year-olds Galore--News & Notes from Across the Pond

Recent racing and news from England and Ireland.Read More

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BrianZipse · Disappointed, not surprised, but disappointed, that we will likely not see Frankel in the States ... Can't wait for Wednesday's race, though! · 670 days ago ·

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Can Frankel Beat the Big Boys?

FRANKEL is going to find life significantly more difficult against the "big boys" in the eagerly anticipated Qipco Sussex Stakes, according to connections of last year's winner, Canford Cliffs, who goes for a repeat.Read More

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horsisars · Regardless of the outcome.. I salute these two horses and there connections.. just for making this happen. It is a race we all want to see and far to often horses, or more like owners duck. Right on Frankel and Right on Canford Cliffs. · 677 days ago ·

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TimSmith · I will agree with horsisars win or lose still have respect for Frankel and his team. But for the record i do believe he will lose. · 677 days ago ·

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Jerry12929 · I don't know about you guys but I'm backing up the fact that Frankel is the best turf miler in the world sure he's going to face the third best miler in the world but I feel superb about Frankel's chances in the sussex!!!!! · 677 days ago ·

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horsisars · Real tough call.. arguments for both.. Can he beat the big boys? Canford Cliffs is tough... so tough. I have not seen the rest of the field. I will take... hmmmmm it s close, but I hope Frankel keeps the unbeaten streak alive... I would not bet my house on it.. but that is my choice. Good luck to both horses. · 676 days ago ·

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medlocke · For the record, I think Frankel is an incredible horse!! Very freakish in nature, and he makes some of the other very talented 3yr.old's in Europe look very ordinary. That said, among those 3yr.old's, I don't believe that Frankel has faced a horse with anywhere near the level of speed and tactical ability that Canford Cliffs has. It's no accident that Canford Cliffs beat Goldikova in this year's Queen Anne Stakes, and it's also no accident that Canford Cliffs has reeled off 5 straight major G1 win's at a mile on turf. He'll be very hard for Frankel to try and beat in the Sussex Stakes, IMO. · 672 days ago ·

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Clash of the Generations in Qipco Sussex

Goodwood gearing up for meeting of Canford Cliffs and Frankel on July 27 Read More

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TimSmith · Seems like a mismatch. · 700 days ago ·

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Trickmeister Wires Barbaro Stakes

Trickmeister realized his potential Saturday, going wire-to-wire to win the $100,000 Barbaro Stakes in the mud at Delaware Park.Trickmeister and jockey Gabriel Saez had to wait out a steward's inquiry before the win became official. Coming down the stretch, Trickmeister drifted to the inside toward ...Read More

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Pick Six and Me

Notice I didn’t say “the" Pick Six and me because this is not a post about the elusive wager that I have never hit and seldom play. No this is about Pick Six, the horse. “Wally” is his nickname, and I've been following him since the first time he ever ran. The big, handsome bay colt, by Dynafor...Read More

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Nicanor Entered in Sussex Stakes at Delaware Park

Nicanor, the full brother to ill-fated Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, has been entered in the $100,000 Sussex Stakes at Delaware Park on Saturday. The stake, the 10th race on the card, will be run at about 5:18 p.m. (EDT) and, ironically, is on the same card as the Barbaro Stakes...Read More