Unbeaten in two seasons wonder horse Frankel bounces back (From York Press)

Unbeaten in two seasons wonder horse Frankel bounces back

11:01am Friday 18th May 2012 in Rugby League By Tom O'Ryan, Racing journalist

There is some competitive action at Thirsk tomorrow, but it’s a fair chance the race that will create most interest with racegoers takes place some 200 miles to the south at Newbury.

The great Frankel makes his reappearance at Newbury in the JLT Lockinge Stakes, an event which will surely guarantee crowds gathering around the televisions at Thirsk, just as this did at this venue last year when Frankel completely destroyed his rivals with a jaw-dropping performance to win the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Trained at Newmarket by Sir Henry Cecil, Frankel is unbeaten in his two seasons of racing action.

He was head and shoulders over his opponents throughout last season and there is every chance he will continue his domination this year, which could see him coming to York in August for the Juddmonte International Stakes.

First things first, though, and tomorrow’s test is no cake-walk.

Frankel should be ready to do himself after a recent racecourse gallop at Newmarket and, although Excelebration and Strong Suit are hugely-talented horses, the brilliance of Frankel should see him home.

John Gosden, who is enjoying a tremendous time of it at York this week, can continue his fine run with Nehaam in the JLT Aston Park Stakes, while North Yorkshire trainer Mark Johnston has good prospects of landing the Blue Square London Gold Cup with Hajras.

Winner of both his races to date, the latest at Ripon, Hajras looks a useful horse in the making who is open to plenty of improvement as he learns more and more about racing.

Back at Thirsk and the nap vote is awarded to Summerinthecity in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap.

The five-year-old, trained by Ed de Giles, ran a fine race in defeat when a close-up second of 20 runners to Farlow at Doncaster. A reproduction of that performance should ensure him a prominent showing in this event with 3lb claimer Lee Topliss booked to do the steering.

Tim Easterby has his horses in good form and the Great Habton trainer can win the Pavillion At Thirsk Racecourse For Wedding Receptions Handicap with Regal Acclaim.

The three-year-old, who came good last autumn, started this term in pleasing style when winning at Catterick last month. There is more to come from him.

The Yorkshire Outdoors Aventure Experiences Handicap over five furlongs looks typically competitive, but Arctic Feeling has useful claims.

Richard Fahey’s gelding was a winner two starts back at Wolverhampton and finished a good third at Chester on his latest outing. Shane B Kelly, who rode a winner on this course last Saturday, has the mount.

Norton trainer Ollie Pears saddled Noodles Blue Boy to win on this course recently and the gelding is back to bid for an encore in the Thirsk Races ‘Champagne Tuesday’ 19th June Handicap.

racing selections

Thirsk
1.50 Sandy’s Row, 2.20 Regal Acclaim, 2.55 Summerinthecity (NAP), 3.30 Swiftly Done, 4.05 Arctic Feeling, 4.40 Hallmark Star, 5.15 Pistol, 5.45 Noodles Blue Boy.

Newbury
1.30 Sun Central, 2.00 Nehaam, 2.30 Mac’s Power, 3.05 Hajras, 3.40 Frankel, 4.50 Border Legend, 5.20 Vivid Blue, 5.50 Love Tatoo.

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Bangor, Doncaster, Newmarket and Uttoxeter.

Today’s meetings: Aintree, Hamilton, Newbury, Newcastle, Newmarket and York.