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Captain's Blog - 18th October 2010

Frankel proved on Saturday that he has the necessary ability to overcome his natural instincts, but will those instincts prove to be a stumbling block when the going gets tougher next year? There is absolutely no doubt that Frankel is an exceptionally good two year old. His speed figures told us that before he stepped out onto the Rowley Mile on Saturday. He got the job done in the Dewhurst despite pulling hard early on in the race, which in some part was due to the bump that he got from a rival as he left the stalls. The fact that he could still win despite his early exuberance is testament to his raw ability but he will have to settle down and learn to relax better in his races if he is to add the 2000 Guineas and other big races to his honour board. He has always been keen, he certainly was at Ascot and he obviously wants to give of his all every time he races and indeed every time he steps out on the gallops.

Frankel

That brings me to one more point that will determine his future and it can be described as burn out. Horses that give their all every time they step out on the gallops can burn out mentally or physically long before their less talented rivals do. Henry Cecil is a brilliant trainer who will be well aware of this and his big task is not to win the 2000 Guineas with this horse but to ensure that this horse learns to relax and become less exuberant. If he can do that then this horse really is odds on to take the colts classic.

One final point on the Dewhurst that I want to make concerns Aiden O’Brien. His Roderic O'Connor ran a very respectable second to Frankel. It would take a leap of faith to see this horse turn around the form with Frankel, but O’Brien now has a marker horse. Roderic will not be his best two year old, he will have horses that are better than him and as such he will have a good idea where he stands as far as Frankel is concerned. Roderic has served a very useful purpose for O’Brien and he now knows where he stands in terms of next years Classic picture. We all want Frankel to do it for Henry next year but beware the Ballydoyle battalions, their scouting mission on Saturday will not have been in vain!

I have a few days off now which gives me some time to sort a few things out at home and to hit the Gym as well. After a moderate weekend I also need to find a winner or two. Lets hope a decent run starts right here right now.

Enjoy your day.

Today's Selections

3:40 Pontefract – Captain Royale (each way 14/1 Stan James )

5:00 Windsor – Ivory Lace (each way 14/1 Stan James )