The superstar returns!

Will there be scenes of jubilation for Frankel once again on Saturday or could his unbeaten record prove vulnerable this time? Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

The mighty Frankel is one of seven horses declared for what promises to be the race of the season so far in Saturday’s JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The world’s highest-rated racehorse, who suffered a setback in his training following what turned out to be a superficial leg injury last month, is likely to be given a thorough test in a race which also features the world’s second highest rated miler, Excelebration, as well as the highly regarded Strong Suit.

Frankel will be aiming to make it ten career victories out of ten in the one mile contest, having recorded his ninth win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day last October.

He impressed in a public gallop at Newmarket two weeks ago, but the acid test will be how he fares against the top class opposition he must face on Saturday.

He beat Excelebration by four lengths in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, but Excelebration has the benefit of having raced already this year – easily winning the Gladness Stakes in Ireland last month – and there is no way of knowing whether his new trainer, Aidan O’Brien, has found improvement in the colt.

Frankel has also very likely improved, however. “I think he’s a stronger horse now and hopefully he will be even better (this year),” said Sir Henry Cecil in his recent Armchair Jockeys interview for BCS TV.

Strong Suit, meanwhile, is highly regarded in the Richard Hannon stable and easily landed a pair of Group 2 races last year, but this is by far his toughest assignment to date.

Hannon also runs Dubawi Gold, while Charlie Hills runs last year’s Nayef Joel Stakes winner, Ransom Note, but on form they are both very unlikely to trouble the principals.

The seven runner field is completed by two pacemakers, Frankel’s stable companion and half-brother, Bullet Train, and Excelebration’s stable companion, Windsor Palace.

It promises to be a fascinating contest. After his setback, this could be the race in which Frankel’s unbeaten record will be most vulnerable, but on the other hand he has always looked like the ultimate thoroughbred superstar and there is every reason to believe that he will blitz his rivals with his remarkable acceleration once again.

Whatever you are doing on Saturday, make sure you don’t miss this race! Get along to Newbury if you can – there’s sure to be a fantastic atmosphere – or otherwise catch it live on Channel 4 or Racing UK. It’s due off at 3.40pm.

For more information on the race and to see the full line-up, CLICK HERE.