Champion Stakes Entries: Septet in frame for Frankel challenge

Frankel is the star turn on Champions Day

A maximum of seven rivals will take on Frankel in Saturday's Champion Stakes at Ascot...

Sir Henry Cecil's colt is unbeaten in 13 starts and is almost certain to be retired to stud after this weekend. Cirrus Des Aigles, Nathaniel and Declaration Of War, who is also entered in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes earlier on the card, appear to be his main rivals.

Cirrus Des Aigles won the race 12 months ago and although Corine Barande-Barbe's stable star has had an interrupted season, he showed he is a force to be reckoned with in soft ground when winning the Prix Dollar by nine lengths.

John Gosden's Nathaniel was denied a run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe due to a late setback but is on course to line up here.

The Galileo colt finished a half-length second to Frankel when the pair made their respective racecourse debuts at Newmarket in August 2010 - the closest any horse has got to Cecil's runner.

Aidan O'Brien's Declaration Of War has won two of his three starts since joining the Ballydoyle ranks from Jean-Claude Rouget and could make a massive leap in class.

The William Haggas-trained Master Of Hounds, Mario Hofer's German raider Pastorius and the Mikel Delzangles-trained Ridasiyna complete the list of possibles, along with Frankel's half-brother Bullet Train, who is likely to be on pacemaking duty.

10 horses remain in contention for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the race won by Frankel last year.

Aidan O'Brien's Excelebration, runner-up in last year's renewal, is likely to go off favourite with no Frankel to worry about. O'Brien has also left in Declaration Of War and Requisition.

The Queen's Carlton House remains engaged, as does the Roger Charlton-trained Cityscape. Side Glance, the German raider Indomito, the St James's Palace Stakes winner Most Improved and Sovereign Debt are others in the mix.

The John Gosden-trained Elusive Kate, who finished second to Siyouma in the Sun Chariot Stakes last time, is the only filly in contention.

Society Rock remains in the mix to add the British Champions Sprint to his impressive roll of honour at Ascot on Saturday.

James Fanshawe's sprinter won the Haydock Sprint Cup last time out and already has a Golden Jubilee Stakes on his record over the same C&D he will face this weekend. Fanshawe won the race 12 months ago with the sidelined Deacon Blues.

Wizz Kid, the Prix de l'Abbaye winner, could travel over from France, along with Restiadargent who also features in a field of 19.

Dancing Rain remains in the mix to defend her British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes title. William Haggas' star has not run this season due to injury, but her name is at the top of 10 acceptors for the Group 2 contest.

John Gosden's Great Heavens, who was supplemented into the Arc, is a notable entry alongside Aidan O'Brien's Oaks winner Was.

The Long Distance Cup, which will open the card, looks to be a competitive affair. Horses such as Colour Vision, Saddler's Rock and Fame And Glory could feature in the staying event.

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