Frankel Does It Again in QEII
I managed to pry myself out of bed early enough to catch the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (I) at Ascot, and it was yet another exciting affair to catch Frankel in all his glory as he stretched his undefeated streak over class horses.
The three-year-old son of Galileo was a picture of peace and perfection in a light gallop to the post, with jockey Tom Queally doing well to calm the horse and they were quickly loaded second-last with the filly Immortal Verse.
Straight out of the gate was the lightning pacesetter and half older brother to Frankel, the aptly-named Bullet Train, who set up a dizzying leading margin down the grass chute. In behind Bullet Train galloped highly-regarded Dick Turpin, second-favorite Excelebration, and then Side Glance with Frankel sitting in a stalking position behind them, Immortal Verse tracking in last. Longshot Dubawi Gold began inching up the field midway, but so was Frankel, with Tom Queally making sure his snug hold was not loosened on the eager colt.
With three furlongs to go, Queally set the hot favorite loose after Bullet Train, who was beginning to tire after stampeding away from the others. Excelebration tried to go with him, but Frankel’s infamous quick turn of foot separated him from the pack like a hot knife through butter. Frankel passed Bullet Train and opened up wide on the field, easily winning again by five or so lengths.
Excelebration caught for second, Immortal Verse third, and Dubawi Gold fourth.
It yet another undisputed win for the undefeated Frankel, who is arguably the world’s best miler, with a clear win over this strong group of graded winners. However, there’s another “what if” sprinkled over the performance due to the presence of the rabbit Bullet Train, but it was evident yet again that few horses can match the fast-striding Frankel coming down to the wire. Another great win for a magnificent horse, who I look forward to seeing again next year as a four-year-old.
