Five opponents for Frankel

Just five horses will attempt to deny Frankel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Frankel is almost certain to be retired after Saturday’s ten furlong Group One and the racing community will be hoping he can maintain his unblemished record before the curtain comes down on his glitter career.

Despite the expected soft conditions at Ascot, Frankel is the hot favourite to claim the spoils, his 14th successive victory.

The opposition is headed by Coral-Eclipse winner Nathaniel, who was beaten by Frankel on their racing debuts at Newmarket in August 2010, while Frankel’s stablemate Bullet Train will take up pacemaking duties once again.

Cirrus Des Aigles returns looking to make it back-to-back wins in the showpiece event and Olivier Peslier’s mount is almost certain to relish the conditions at the Berkshire venue.

German Derby winner Pastorius takes his chance, while William Haggas has declared Master Of Hounds.

Aidan O’Brien’s Declaration Of War and Prix de l’Opera winner Ridasiyna were both taken out at the 48-hour stage.

Meanwhile, Excelebration heads a final field of eight for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt has been beaten by Frankel on five occasions and connections have decided to give him a break by running him in the mile feature instead.

Roger Charlton’s Cityscape and the John Gosden-trained Elusive Kate finished behind him in the Prix Jacques le Marois and they will reoppose once more, while Carlton House will bid to recover from a disappointing outing in the summer mile.

St James’s Palace Stakes winner Most Improved goes for Brian Meehan with Side Glance, Sovereign Debt and Indomito completing the line-up.