Frankel Sublime In Guineas But Derby Betting Looks Wrong

Author: Marc Weinberg

Frankel absolutely demolished the opposition in the 2000 Guineas. He strode clear in a manner not witnessed since the days of Secretariat - am I the only one who is reminded of that legend every time Frankel strides out? Frankel does not appear to be exerting himself while multiple Group 1 winners trail in his wake. At the half mile pole he was clear by 15 lengths, and then he got bored and "sleepy" (Henry Cecil's word, perfect description), and a couple of battlers were able to get within 6 lengths of him at the line.

Frankel is a freak of nature, but will his style of running be compatible with the Epsom Derby distance let alone the undulating course. My feeling is that it is doubtful. I would also argue that trying is pointless and can only do damage. Run Frankel at Royal Ascot in the St James's Palace Stakes, which he will win uncontested. Then run Frankel in the Breeders Cup mile, or maybe the Breeders Cup Classic, which he is ideally suited to win in a canter.

It would be a great moment for the connections of the horse to honour the memory of Bobby Frankel by sending the eponymous colt to the States to demolish anyone who stands in his way. A clash between Frankel and Goldikova over a Mile, how tempting does that sound? But he is the kind of horse who may well get a Mile and a quarter on an oval track, in which case he could win the Classic and cement his status as one of the all-time greats.

It is now time to get effusive about this colt, but his Epsom Derby odds are all wrong:

He is 6/4 with a run at William Hill. A far more interesting bet is that Frankel is 2/1 to remain unbeaten this season as a three-year old.

Other online bookies like Sky Bet are betting 5/2 about Frankel winning the Investec Derby, but that Ante Post market offers no refunds if he doesn't run.

Frankel doesn't settle, but neither did Secretariat in the Belmont and that didn't turn out too badly, did it?