Champion Stakes: Frankel heads strong field

Frankel remains on course for Champions Day

Frankel heads 17 possible contenders for the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 20...

Unbeaten in 13 starts, Frankel handled the step up to 10 furlongs with consummate ease in the Juddmonte International at York and looks likely to make his final racecourse appearance in Europe's most valuable mile and a quarter race on Champions Day.

Frankel was successful on British Champions Day in 2011 in the mile Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Opposition to Frankel in the Champion Stakes could include last year's victor Cirrus des Aigles, as well as this season's Eclipse winner Nathaniel, who was recently withdrawn from the Arc due to a temperature.

The winners of this year's English, Irish, French and German Derbys have also all stood their ground at the forfeit stage.

Arc-bound Camelot (English and Irish Derby winner as well as the 2000 Guineas) is one of four entries for Aidan O'Brien.

French Derby winner Saonois could represent trainer Jean-Pierre Gauvin, while German Derby winner Pastorius is also a possible.

In addition to Cirrus des Aigles and Saonois, French interest is also provided by Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes heroine Giofra.

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