Heavily favored Frankel brought his undefeated record to a perfect 13-for-13 with a dominating victory in the $1,124,000 Juddmonte International (Eng-I) at York on August 22nd, dominating the prestigious race by seven lengths in his first start in a race longer than one mile.
Ridden to victory by regular rider Tom Queally, Frankel got off just a step slowly in the 10-furlong, 88-yard race, and settled well off of the early pace set by Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace. Group I winners St. Nicholas Abbey and Twice Over were also well behind the pacemakers, while the well-regarded Farhh -- runner-up to Frankel in the recent Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) -- was in mid-pack.
Robin Hood, Bullet Train, and Windsor Palace continued to lead the way around the turn and into the 4 1/2-furlong homestretch, but as the field approached the final quarter mile, Farrh moved up to challenge for the lead and soon claimed it. But his lead was short-lived, as Frankel and St. Nicholas Abbey were advancing in unison on the near side of the course. About two furlongs out, it appeared as though Frankel would be in for a fight. But then Queally shook the reins at him, and Frankel responded with a breathtaking burst of speed that left his rivals far, far behind. Extending his lead all the way to the finish, Frankel hit the finish line at least seven or eight lengths in front, clearly the best and clearly one of the greatest racehorses in the history of the European turf.
Farhh held off a determined bid from St. Nicholas Abbey to secure the place, while Twice Over put in a mild run to finish fourth. Bullet Train, Sri Putra, Planteur, Robin Hood, and Windsor Palace completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Juddmonte Farm and trained by Sir Henry Cecil.
-Keelerman
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