Henry Cecil, who this week saw his highly-rated Midsummer Sun put in the shade by Godolphin's first British winner of the season, has warned that another of his fancied runners could be short of work ahead of his seasonal bow at Newbury tomorrow.
Frankel became the highest-rated juvenile of the 21st century alongside Dream Ahead last season when capping an unbeaten campaign by handsomely winning the showdown with Godolphin's Saamidd in the Group 1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
Although the colt, owned by Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Abdullah, was pleasing Cecil in his work at home, for the first time in two decades the 10-time British champion handler, who trains 14 horses for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, has been unable to get his string on to grass gallops due to the unseasonal weather in England.
"It's been so dry and we haven't been able to get on the grass yet, and they might be a bit short," said Cecil. "Frankel is well on course for Newbury but he might have the same problem as the rest of them."
Cecil's fears come despite Frankel's smooth progress throughout the winter which has seen the Galileo colt become the widely regarded favourite for the English 2,000 Guineas on April 30.
"Last year he was immature in a lot of ways and he was very free in his work," Cecil said. "He's grown and lengthened. Mentally, he's more settled and relaxed, and he's more mature now. In time I can see him getting a mile-and-quarter, but whether he'll get a mile-and-a-half he'll tell us."
Five of the past six winners of the first British Classic of the season have skipped a prep race and have gone straight to Newmarket, but even if Frankel is behind in his work, Cecil believes that a racecourse outing is essential preparation for the one-mile contest.
"I never trust myself to run them in the first Classic without a race. A race brings them on and gives them something to think about. I'm still educating him, and going away for the night to Newbury and the adrenaline of a racecourse will do him a lot of good."
Five rivals line up against Frankel in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes.
Richard Hannon's Strong Suit looks the biggest danger, especially as last season's champion trainer has won four of the past nine runnings of the feature.
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Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates
October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)
October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)
November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)
March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)
April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)
Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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