Godolphin delay Farhh decision

A decision about whether Farhh races Frankel again in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York Racecourse will be taken before the race

Farrh racing at Royal Ascot in June. Steve Davies / Racingfotos.com
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A decision about whether Farhh races Frankel again in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York Racecourse will be taken before the race today.

Godolphin's horse lines up in the Group 1 contest having been thrashed by six lengths by the world's best racehorse in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood three weeks ago.

The going along the Knavesmire is good to firm after the track missed all of the rain in the north of England over the past four days.

There was controversy on Monday when Roger Charlton, the trainer, believed there to be rain forecast for tomorrow and aimed a barbed comment on Twitter at the course executive for adding 3mm of water overnight as he would prefer firm ground for Bated Breath's bid in the Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday.

With breezy weather forecast today the going is unlikely to change, even if there is a passing shower, which is not perfect for Saeed bin Suroor's charge who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

"We don't want the ground to be too firm for him and we will make a final decision on Wednesday," the Godolphin trainer said. "He is in good form at the moment and I think that this is the best trip for him now.

"We are taking on Frankel again, who will be very tough to beat, but I am hopeful of a good run, providing the ground is suitable."

Also up against Frankel is St Nicholas Abbey, the quadruple Group 1 winner, who is likely to relish the fast ground.

Three of St Nicholas Abbey's four victories at the highest level have come on good or firmer and although the five year old is yet to win over 10 furlongs Joseph O'Brien was looking forward to the ride.

"It doesn't get much better than this, taking on Frankel with a horse like St Nicholas Abbey," said the teenage rider. "The drop in trip is a question mark for some, but I don't see it being too much of a problem."

sports@thenational.ae

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