Europe’s best filly over a mile next to take on Frankel at Ascot
Published:Many of the superstar colts of the year have already failed to beat Frankel in his relatively short career, so it only seems right that the best current filly over a mile in Europe will try her luck next at Ascot.
Frankel has already beaten the likes of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Nathaniel, Epsom Derby runner-up Treasure Beach and five-time Group One winner over a mile Canford Cliffs in his opening eight races.
These victories have rightly suggested that Frankel is the best horse over a mile of the millennium, but Immortal Verse may feel that she could change opinion.
Immortal Verse was impressive when beating the legendary Goldikova in a Group One fillies and mares race in France in August will be given the chance to take on Frankel in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
The one weakness that Frankel may have is truly staying the whole mile if he is forced to set his own pace.
He can sometimes bound along a little too quickly in front and this may cause him to tire in the closing stages, as was the case when he last visited Ascot for the Royal meeting in June in the St James’ Palace Stakes.
This may play into the hands of Immortal Verse, who is arguably at her best when sat out the back off a fast pace, where she can use her fast finish to the best effect.
In a bid to help Frankel settle better and reserve some stamina, trainer Henry Cecil has also entered Bullet Train into the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, who is his regular partner on the gallops at home and will do an efficient job as pacemaker.
Sir Henry said: “I don’t want Frankel to lead all the way. Bullet Train’s a year older, he’s not in the same class, but he is a Classic trial winner. He’ll make sure they won’t crawl around.”
Frankel’s odds are 1/3 to make it nine straight victories by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, with Immortal Verse the next best at 5/1.
