• Horse Racing

Frankel to swerve Derby in favour of Royal Ascot

ESPN staff
May 3, 2011
Frankel will be seen next at Royal Ascot © PA Photos
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Henry Cecil has confirmed his stunning 2000 Guineas winner Frankel will sidestep the Derby and be prepared for a run at Royal Ascot.

Frankel showed blistering speed in making all to win the Guineas at Newmarket by six lengths. Connections were initially toying with the idea of heading to the Derby, but upon reflection they feel he will be better served by remaining at a mile for the St James's Palace Stakes.

"I think the Derby would not be doing the right thing," Cecil told the Daily Mail. "I'd want to give him a race before Epsom over a bit further but I can't do that.

"Frankel is very well, but we will take it step by step. You have to think of the horse and we don't want to be experimenting with him.

"At the moment, he is telling me not to go a mile and a half and the Prince (Khalid Abdullah, owner) agrees.

"All being well, we'll go to Ascot and then go from there."

Cecil and Abdullah have another Derby string to their bow in World Domination who made an impressive winning debut last month and is towards the head of the betting.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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