Frankel vs Black Caviar: Clash not expected

News / Timeform / 20 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Will the Frankel vs Black Caviar clash take place?

"It would be a great clash, but I'd be very surprised were it to happen."

Teddy Grimthorpe would be "very surprised" were Frankel and Black Caviar to meet at Royal Ascot...

Black Caviar, rated 135 by Timeform, stretched her unbeaten record to 19 at the weekend, but the Australian sensation was racing over five furlongs, having run over seven furlongs the week before.

The six-furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes has been the long-held plan for Black Caviar should she travel to England in the summer, although she is believed likely to get an entry in the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile.

Sir Henry Cecil has stated his intent on stepping Frankel (rated 143) up to 10 furlongs this season, but he may still run in the Queen Anne after he reappears at that trip in the Lockinge at Newbury in May.

"Black Caviar is clearly exceptional, but I can't speak for them regarding what race she will run in at Ascot. I did speak to Peter Moody (her trainer) at Flemington but only briefly," said Grimthorpe, owner Prince Khalid Abdullah's racing manager.

"If it happens, it happens, but it feels like we've got slightly different agendas.

"Sir Henry is looking at stretching Frankel this year. We hope to start off in the Lockinge and then we have two options at Royal Ascot. Either the Queen Anne or the Prince of Wales's.

"I can understand there is tremendous goodwill out there for the two to get together.

"One is the best horse in the southern hemisphere and one is the best horse in the northern hemisphere - they are the two best horses in the world.

"But we don't want to mess up our season for the sake of one race.

"If we do decide to run in the Queen Anne and Black Caviar runs in it also, then so be it.

"But Sir Henry may decide that a mile and a quarter is the way for him this season.

"It would be a great clash, but I'd be very surprised were it to happen."

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Timeform ratings were in fine form at the weekend. Click HERE to see the top rated roll call, or click HERE to get race cards & ratings for today's meetings.