I've spent over 20 years inside the betting industry. I'll guide you to avoid the hype, ignore the noise, and steer clear of the common pitfalls that catch out everyday punters.
Is Frankel the best ever Flat Race Horse the World has ever seen?
I can be very sure of my answer. Whilst I am not the springiest of chickens, I can honestly say I have never seen a racehorse of this calibre so comfortably able to dispose of top-class quality opposition with such aplomb in my lifetime.
Independent / Alamy Stock Photo
I would be surprised if I witnessed something of this greatness ever again. Indeed, I would be truly blessed. Perhaps others may be considered better, from "before my time".
Group 1 Races
I'm sure there are some staunch fans of Brigadier Gerard, Sea-Bird, Mill Reef, or, more recently, Dubai Millenium.
Shergar would make many peoples top ten.
Historically, we have had the likes of Sea The Stars and Harbinger, but would either of those two or any of the others mentioned have gotten close to Frankel? And what might he have done had they?
Margin of Victory
Henry Cecil's superstar was given an official rating of 140 for the run at York in the Juddmonte International.
The second time he has gained the rating to go with the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on his last appearance.
The Going
He beat Farhh 6 lengths at Goodwood and seven at York. This was the first time any horse has been given an official rating of 140 twice EVER!
| FRANKEL GROUP 1 WINS |
|---|
| Champion Stakes |
| Juddmonte International Stakes |
| Sussex Stakes |
| Queen Anne Stakes |
| Lockinge Stakes |
| Queen Elizabeth II Stakes |
| Sussex Stakes |
| St Jamess Palace Stakes |
| 2000 Guineas |
| Dewhurst Stakes |
Yes we saw under pressure before when Zoffany got to within three-quarters of a length at Royal Ascot in the St James Palace Stakes
That was his sixth consecutive victory, fifth Group win, and Third Group 1 win. He never looked back,, extending that run to a record-breaking 13 consecutive victories and taking his Group 1 haul to ten!
What rating could he have achieved had he been pushed to fight for a win, or would that have resulted in him being rated down?
To expand on how good his opposition is and to dispel any thoughts that Frankel is around at a time when the opposition is not at its strongest or, indeed, that the better opposition has avoided him.
Frankel Breeding
Timeform Ratings
Timeform have given Frankel a rating of 147 to surpass the record of 145 given to Sea Bird.
Action Plus Sports Images / Alamy Stock Photo
| Timeform Rating | Horse |
|---|---|
| 147 | Frankel |
| 145 | Sea-Bird |
| 144 | Brigadier Gerard, Tudor Minstrel |
| 143 | Flightline |
| 142 | Abernant, Ribot |
| 141 | Mill Reef |
| 140 | Dancing Brave, Dubai Millennium, Harbinger, Sea The Stars, Shergar, Vaguely Noble |
| 139 | Arrogate, Generous, Pappa Fourway, Reference Point |
Frankel Record
| DATE | TRACK | RESULT | DISTANCE | OR | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th Oct 2012 | Ascot | 1/6 | 1m2f | 140 | 1.18 F |
| 22nd Aug 2012 | York | 1/9 | 1m2½f | 140 | 1.10 F |
| 1st Aug 2012 | Goodwood | 1/4 | 1m | 140 | 1.05 F |
| 19th Jun 2012 | Ascot | 1/11 | 1m | 138 | 1.10 F |
| 19th May 2012 | Newbury | 1/6 | 1m | 136 | 1.29 F |
| 15th Oct 2011 | Ascot | 1/8 | 1m | 135 | 1.36 F |
| 27th Jul 2011 | Goodwood | 1/4 | 1m | 130 | 1.62 F |
| 14th Jun 2011 | Ascot | 1/9 | 1m | 130 | 1.30 F |
| 30th Apr 2011 | Newmarket | 1/13 | 1m | 126 | 1.50 F |
| 16th Apr 2011 | Newbury | 1/6 | 7f | 126 | 1.25 F |
| 16th Oct 2010 | Newmarket | 1/6 | 7f | 123 | 1.67 F |
| 25th Sep 2010 | Ascot | 1/5 | 1m | 0 | 1.30 F |
| 10th Sep 2010 | Doncaster | 1/3 | 7f | 0 | 1.50 F |
| 13th Aug 2010 | Newmarket | 1/12 | 1m | 0 | 2.75 F |
The 62 rivals that Frankel has beaten so far in his career have the following winning records behind them..
- 18 Listed Race wins
- 32 Group 3's
- 39 Group 2's
- 45 Group 1's
That number of high class wins is a rare feat that we may never witness again. Those fortunate racing fans who saw the Henry Cecil-trained wonder horse in action can truly consider themselves blessed.
