I expected Frankel to win by 4 or 5 lengths. I thought there was a chance it might be more, but that it was more likely to be less. I am pleased to report that I have never been happier to be so wrong. The margin was 11 lengths which left me with a fair amount of egg on my face and plenty of humble pie to munch. Neverthless, I am only too happy to swallow my pride to witness a performance of such utter brilliance. He is without doubt the best flat horse that I have ever seen even if my memory stretches back only so far. The arguments about who is the greatest will continue but I am in little doubt that it is Frankel who has the most ability. Timeform's new master rating of 147, the best in its 64 year history, confirms that. He is devastatingly good.
His 11 length winning margin was three lengths greater than any distance achieved in the past ten Royal Ascot meetings, a total of 300 races. What makes it all the more incredible is the fact that Excelebration, the 3rd best horse in the World according to Timeform behind Frankel and Black Caviar, was the horse who trailed in 11 lengths behind. If Frankel did not exist then Excelebration's form would read 411112111111 rather than 411213112122. Be in no doubt that he is a good deal better than Frankel makes him look. I said beforehand that Excelebration had not really tried to beat Frankel in the Lockinge but he certainly gave it his best shot in this, and ultimately paid the price. He was unable to live with Frankel when Queally put his foot to the floor and was a weary horse close home as Side Glance and Indomito closed him down. I only hope that he gets the opportunity to prove what he is capable of when Frankel takes on new challenges at 10f later in the year.
On the subject of Frankel and new challenges, it was pleasing to see Sir Henry giving the Coral Eclipse consideration after this performance. He looks more than ready for the step up to 10f now, and, scary as it may sound, I am convinced that he is going to be at least as good at the trip. He is so strong at the finish over 8f and has such a fast cruising speed that it is all but impossible to envisage anything challenging him, let alone lowering his colours. Nevertheless, new horizons will add still further to his burgeoning reputation and legacy. The antipodean monster that is So You Think successfully avenged his close defeat in the Prince Of Wales' Stakes 12 months ago. He is not the horse that we were told he was going to be but let that not detract from his achievements. He has been boldly campaigned and has produced consistent top class efforts. He is not in the same league as Frankel but is thoroughly likeable and would be an excellent 10f yardstick to measure Frankel's ability should they meet in the Eclipse. I already have my tickets for Sandown so hope that the time has come for Frankel to confirm his place at the top of the tree.
Frankel also provided something of a body blow to the total winning distance bet (40.75 to 54.75 lengths at 7/4 with Stan James). The highest two-day total in the previous ten years was 30.55, recorded in 2003, which contributed to a final total of 56.05. Interestingly, the highest overall total (66.6 in 2004) was achieved with a relatively modest two-day total of 17.55. It is clear that all is not lost, even if it is now an uphill climb to the finish line.
When a horse produces a performance of such brilliance, a few quid lost suddenly pales into insignificance. And so it should. It will be years, perhaps decades or even longer, until we see another like him. He is nothing short of exceptional. Enjoy him whilst you still can.
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