Article Date: 14-August-2012
TRAINER Aiden O’Brien is looking forward to the prospect of giving his charge St Nicholas Abbey a crack at racing’s superstar Frankel in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York next Wednesday, August 22.
While Frankel is unbeaten in 12 career starts, St Nicholas Abbey also boasts impressive credentials, having won no fewer than four Group 1 races himself.
The O’Brien-trained five-year-old was last seen in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes when a running-on third to Danedream.
O’Brien said: “The Juddmonte was always going to be one of the races that ‘St Nick’ could run in.
“We were happy with his run in the King George. He relaxed, travelled and quickened really well.
“He is had a little bit of a break after the King George and seems well at the moment.
“We’ve always thought the world of him - he is a very exciting horse. And we still think he is on the upgrade.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him run at York - and watching Frankel. Frankel is a great horse and it’s just a privilege to see him run, really.”
Also taking on Frankel in the richest race ever to be staged on the Knavesmire will be Farhh, who was six lengths behind him in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood two weeks ago.
But Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, is under no illusions about the size of the challenge facing the Pivotal colt in the £725,000 showdown.
He said: “Frankel is the best horse in the race by a long, long way and if he runs to his form then he will win.
“But Farhh is in good form. We will weigh up the options and he will also get an entry in the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Friday, August 24).”
Crisford outlined that Godolphin have a ‘good solid team without any bankers’ for York.
In Saturday, August 25’s Betfred Ebor, he suggested that the ‘Boys in Blue’ will be represented by Alkimos and Willing Foe.
But he said: “The Ebor is a race in which you need to be on the right side of the handicap and I’m not sure we are.”
O’Brien revealed that Harrison’s Cave is the intended Ballydoyle runner in the historic £225,000 race - Europe‘s richest Flat handicap.
The Irish trainer signed off by confirming his Oaks heroine Was is on course to take her place in the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks, scheduled for Thursday, August 23. This race will be the showpiece of Ladies’ Day.
Get the latest news on the Ebor Festival in The Irish Field on Saturday. Online from 10.30pm Friday
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