September 10, 2010

Frankel Has a Runner

Making only his 2nd career start, a juvenile colt by Galileo, out of Kind by Danehill, won the Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes today at Doncaster. Winning in spectacular fashion, the bay colt romped home 13 lengths the best for trainer Henry Cecil. Owned by Mr. K. Abdullah, the youngster runs under the familiar green, pink, and white silks of his Juddmonte Farms. The devastating win announced the impressive two-year-old as a potential major force in this Fall‘s big juvenile races, as well as next year‘s classics. Maybe the most interesting thing about the horse is his name. Named after legendary trainer Bobby Frankel, the regally bred colt simply goes by the name Frankel.

As you all know, Hall of Fame conditioner Bobby Frankel passed away last year at the all too young age of 68, after losing a battle with lymphoma. The trainer, who worked his way up from modest beginnings in Brooklyn, became one of the most successful trainers in the nation. After becoming the American trainer for Juddmonte, the two enjoyed incredible success. Juddmonte won six Eclipse Awards as the best owner or breeder after connecting with Frankel. It looks like Mr. Abdullah has selected an outstanding young horse to be a four-legged tribute to the great trainer.

Only time will tell how far Frankel’s talent will carry him, but if he can become half the success that his namesake was, the sky will be the limit for him.

8 comments:

danmunn said...

Fitting for one legend to have a possible future legend named after him.

Brian Zipse said...

Definitely Dan, the futures on him for the Guineas and the Derby are dropping fast. Did you see the race?

danmunn said...

I did, Bri. The replay is on Www.racingpost.com under the RP Television tab by the way if you haven't. I love it when Henry has a good one in his ranks and this one could be tasty! However, I need to see what he finds off the bridle first..... 20/1 for the Derby is interesting and one I'm pondering.

Did you see Godolphin's White Moonstone win today? Man that was impressive too! She's an Oaks filly if they dont take her to Dubai for the winter!

Brian Zipse said...

Yes Dan ... a great day for the coming out parties of juveniles at Doncaster. White Moonstone, with classic American breeding I might add ;), looked really good as well. Which begs the question, could we have seen two future champs in the same afternoon at Doncaster?

danmunn said...

The one thing that stops me backing White Moonstone is the way Rainbow View was ridiculously impressive at 2 and then didn't really show that same turn of foot at 3.... Is there something in the Dynaformer breeding lines that bring them to peak at 2 or am I looking into this too much?

Brian Zipse said...

No, quite the opposite. Dynaformer's only improve with age and distance.

danmunn said...

Interesting....maybe Rainbow View was just a blip on the breed. I'm at Ascot for White Moonstone's next run (Fillies Mile - G1) and she takes on some really nice types there so if she wins that in a canter she'll have to be the real deal! ;-)

NetworkEmpowerment said...

He deserves something special. This win, and continuing glory would most certainly seem a fitting way to honor his memory.