Sussex Stakes Preview

Two equine superstars face-off in the Sussex Stakes at 3.10. We have gone through the field in betting order, giving you the lowdown on the runners.

Frankel: 4/5
Seven wins from seven starts and one of the most exciting horses of a generation.  A sensational six-length winner of the 2000 Guineas it almost went catastrophically wrong at Royal Ascot.  After setting for home at halfway Frankel tired in the last 100 yards and was almost caught in the shadow of the post. The fact he won after a dubious ride is to his immense credit. He tackles older horses for the first time and it will be interesting so see how he is ridden.

For those interested in the numbers, his official rating is 3lbs higher than Canford Cliffs and he receives an 8lbs weight allowance. His 2000 Guineas win was rated higher than anything Canford Cliffs has achieved according to the Racing Post Ratings and Topspeed. The question mark is if he can scale those heights again after a disappointing Ascot performance.

Canford Cliffs:  13/8
Confirmed himself the best older miler in the world when beating Goldikova in the Queen Anne. He has now won his last five races all at Group One level. He proved he handles Goodwood when winning the Sussex Stakes last year. It is very difficult to pick holes in his form.

Richard Hannon says he is the best horse he has ever trained and he is a pretty good judge. It will take something very special to beat him. Still untested on soft ground if there is substantial overnight rain.

Rajsaman: 33/1
Never quite succeeded at the top level, this French raider is still capable of smart form.  He beat Byword on his seasonal reappearance at Saint-Cloud but then went down by a length to Goldikova in the Prix D’Ispahan. Was out the back that day but finished better than anything.

If the ground turned very soft he could come into consideration. He could also pick up the pieces if the main protagonists duelled early on.

Rio De La Plate: 50/1
Revitalised his career in 2010 with five wins, including two Group Ones in Italy.  He ran a good race in the Queen Anne, travelling well until Canford Cliffs and Goldikova accelerated away from him. He probably lacks the speed to be fully effective in the very top mile races.  He would need the ground to come up soft for him to be in the mix.