Frankel on the gallops: the Henry Cecil-trained wonder juvenile is declared
PICTURE: David CramphornBig three stand their ground for Dewhurst
THE prospect of a scintillating Darley Dewhurst Stakes was enhanced on Thursday when the final declarations for Saturday's Group 1 revealed a racecard that contained the three names every racing enthusiast wanted to see: Dream Ahead, Frankel and Saamidd.
The three big guns are joined by Roderic O'Connor, Waiter's Dream and Glor Na Mara for a final field of six.
Most prominent among the defectors is the Ed Dunlop-trained Native Khan, who was general fourth favourite behind the fancied three.
Dunlop told his website: "I have had a long chat with the owners, and we have decided to opt out of what looks a very strong Dewhurst.
"They say never be afraid of one horse, but it seems that there are three to be wary of in Saturday's race."
Native Khan will now head for next weekend's Racing PostTrophy at Doncaster, according to Dunlop.
Aidan O'Brien's team, previously four-strong, is reduced to the solitary Roderic O'Connor, who was a market mover for the race earlier in the week and will now stand as clear fourth favourite.
The Michael Jarvis-trained Elzaam has also departed at the final stage.
But it is the continued presence of the unbeaten Frankel, Dream Ahead and Saamidd that will delight punters, racegoers and purists alike, for whom the fascinating prospect of seeing the three standout juveniles of this season - who have achieved ratings that suggest they would be exceptional any season - is set to become reality.
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