Frankel now looks more certain than ever to win at Royal Ascot

Frankel was already largely expected to make light work of the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next month and his task may have now become even easier given the disappointing run of Wootton Bassett in the French 2000 Guineas.

Wootton Bassett won all of his five starts in 2010 and was expected to lay down a strong challenge to Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas, but was forced to miss a trip to Newmarket after a minor injury interrupted his preparation.

However, Richard Fahey sent his horse to Longchamp to make amends and a solid victory would have generated interest of a head-to-head with Frankel at Royal Ascot.

But this result failed to materialise as Wootton Bassett could only finish fifth in the Poule d’eassai des Poulains behind Tin Horse.

There is the belief that Wootton Bassett will improve from his first run of the season, while the fact he was given a wide draw at Longchamp did appear to significantly hinder his chances.

Yet, despite these facts, Frankel now seems more certain than ever to win the St James’ Palace Stakes and is 1/3 in the Royal Ascot odds to do so.

A victory for Frankel in the race could also extend the hype further over a different head-to-head that will surely have racing fans interested later in the flat season.

It appears that Frankel is destined to lock horns with Canford Cliffs at some stage this season, with two options open depending on which distance the showdown will take place over.

If the duo run over 1m then it is likely to be the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in July, while if Frankel’s connections are happy that the horse will stay an extra two furlongs, then the Juddmonte International at York in August is another option.

Canford Cliffs is also expected to run at Royal Ascot and will take his place in the Queen Anne Stakes.

A £30 stake on Frankel winning any race at the Breeders Cup this year would return £60. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.