EXCELEBRATION CONFIRMED FOR QEII

Marco Botti is relishing the test awaiting Excelebration after he was confirmed for a clash with Frankel in the QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day.

The Newmarket handler had said it was 50-50 whether his star three-year-old would take on Frankel at Ascot with the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs the alternative for the Prix Du Moulin winner.

However, all roads now lead to the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on October 15 with a trip across the Atlantic now looking unlikely.

Botti told sportinglife.com: "He's been in good nick, I'm pleased with the horse and everything is going well for Ascot.

"We'll keep an eye on the weather and the ground but he's being trained for Ascot now."

The Exceed And Excel colt has only lost twice this season, both times to Frankel in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

While Frankel has since blown Canford Cliffs away in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, Excelebration has been very impressive himself when easily winning the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury before landing his first Group One success at Longchamp.

And Botti says he is hopeful his charge can get closer to Frankel this time.

"He has improved and is a stronger horse now, whether it will be enough to beat Frankel who knows.

"Frankel beat us just over two lengths last time but I'm hoping Excelebration has come on since his run in the St James's Palace and we might close the gap at Ascot."

Botti also confirmed a twin assault on Ascot and Churchill Downs was improbable for Excelebration.

"The Breeders' Cup is unlikely now. If he runs at Ascot it's very unlikely he'll run in both."

Excelebration is a 5-1 chance for the QEII with Sky Bet.

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