Frankel Fantastic in Dewhurst Romp

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Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Frankel enhanced his already glowing reputation when he stormed home to take the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Eng-I) by 2 1/4 lengths at Newmarket Oct. 16.

Frankel has now won all four of his starts by a combined 27 3/4 lengths. The son of Galileo has been installed as the early favorite for the 2011 stanjames.com Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I).

A field of six went to the post for the Dewhurst, which brought together a highly-anticipated clash between Frankel and two other undefeated colts, two-time group I winner Dream Ahead and Godolphin’s Saamidd, winner of the Champagne Stakes (Eng-II).

Hampered slightly by Dream Ahead at the start, Frankel was placed toward the back of the pack by Tom Queally, as longshot Roderic O’Connor went to the front. Waiter’s Dream and Glor Na Mara tracked the leader closely, as Frankie Dettori was content to let Saamidd settle in mid-pack during the early stages.

Three furlongs from home Roderic O’Connor continued to zip along on the front end under Johnny Murtagh.  Queally moved Frankel into the clear on the outside, and the pair launched their bid from the center of the course. William Buick attempted to follow them aboard Dream Ahead but the colt, who had been struggling over the going the entire race, only made a mild bid, briefly looming a threat before quickly fading.

Frankel cruised to the front with just over a furlong to go, drawing off in the final yards to win easily. Roderic O’Connor held on gamely for second, finishing 2 3/4 lengths in front of Glor Na Mara.  

Both Dream Ahead and Saamidd were major disappointments; Dream Ahead faded to fifth and Saamidd was last after being eased.

The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:25.73 over a course listed as good.

Trainer Henry Cecil had high praise for his colt, telling reporters afterwards: “I’ve never had a horse work like him as a 2-year-old and the last one I remember who was similar would be Arazi. He goes into a sixth gear. It’s lovely for the Prince and I thank him for sending him. I’m very lucky to have him.”

Frankel was bred in England by Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farm. He is out of the stakes-winning Danehill mare, Kind, who is a half-sister to champion Powerscourt.