Stern test for super Frankel

St Nicholas Abbey ridden by Joseph O'Brien wins The Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup during Investec Derby Day of the Investec Derby Festival at Epsom Racecourse. Photo credit: Nigel French/PA wire

By Simon Jackson, London24’s horse racing correspondent
Friday, August 17, 2012
10:33 AM

Horse Talk: Top horse-racing tips and the latest news

Frankel faces a stern test at his 10 furlong debut in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday, following news that St Nicholas Abbey is a definite runner.

The Aidan O’Brien trained St Nicholas Abbey won the Coronation Cup last year before securing a memorable victory for connections when winning the Breeders’ Cup (Turf) under trainer’s son Joseph O’Brien.

The good form continued this season with another victory in the Coronation Cup, before finishing a close third in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month.

“The Juddmonte was always going to be one of the races that ‘St Nick’ could run in,” O’Brien said. “We were happy with his run in the King George. He relaxed, travelled and quickened really well.

“He 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.”

In other news, O’Brien has confirmed that Camelot remains on target for the St Leger after he pleased his trainer in a racecourse gallop at Leopardstown on Thursday afternoon.

“It was a nice even, solid, building pace over a mile and a half and Camelot did it lovely,” O’Brien said of the three-year-old who bids to become the first since Nijinsky in 1970 to win the Triple Crown of the 2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger.

“It has been a good while since he ran and he has had a break and done really well. He is made like a miler now and has got very round and strong.

“He will be running over quite a bit further in the Ladbrokes St Leger and it’s important that he has had a nice day out here today. He can now be trained for the race.”