Frankel: will be running over further than a mile for the first time at York
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)Frankel takes on eight in Juddmonte International
FRANKEL will take on eight rivals when he steps up to 1m2f for the first time in the Juddmonte International on Wednesday after Nathaniel was the only withdrawal at the final declaration stage on Monday.
Trained by Sir Henry Cecil, Frankel has established himself as the best racehorse in the world with a series of scintillating performances at 1m, including an 11-length win in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot in June.
Having secured total dominance at 1m, connections have elected to up the unbeaten four-year-old in trip for his 13th start.
Chief among his rivals is set to be Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey after John Gosden elected to send Coral-Eclipse winner Nathaniel to the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes next month.
William Hill have made Frankel 1-7 favourite with St Nicholas Abbey second best at 5-1. Coral, however, have eased Frankel a touch to 1-8 (from 10-1) for the race believing he faces a "decent test" at York.
St Nicholas Abbey will be joined by two pacemakers from Aidan O'Brien's stable in Robin Hood and Windsor Palace as he seeks his first win at 1m2f.
Last year's International winner Twice Over, Godolphin's Farhh, Planteur, Sri Putra and Frankel's pacemaker Bullet Train complete the line up for the opening day highlight of the Ebor festival.
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