EXCELEBRATION TEAM READY FOR ACTION

Marco Botti hopes Excelebration can continue to close the gap on Frankel in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot.

He finished second, beaten four lengths, to Sir Henry Cecil's star in the totesport.com Greenham Stakes over seven furlongs at Newbury and third to Frankel, beaten two and a quarter lengths, in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Excelebration has won his other three races this year, the German 2000 Guineas, CGA Hungerford Stakes and Qatar Prix du Moulin.

"We are hoping to close the gap with Frankel - whether we will be good enough to beat him, who knows. I am aware it is a difficult task, but that's racing," Botti saud.

"In another era without Frankel, we could have been the best miler in Europe. It is still nice to have the chance to take on the best horse in the world. For a young trainer, it is very important to have a good horse that can be part of a big meeting.

"I have heard good things about Frankel. He has had a break since Goodwood and is going to be difficult to beat. If Sir Henry Cecil says Frankel is the best horse he has had, then it's scary! I can't see any weaknesses in Frankel and it will be no disgrace to finish second to him again.

"It was a good run in the Greenham Stakes, considering our horse was lacking experience and having his first run of the year. We knew Frankel would beat us, but we just wanted to test our horse.

"The St James's Palace was a little bit of a rough race and he was beaten two lengths. Our horse has improved a lot since Ascot - he is physically stronger and has grown a bit too.

"I wouldn't say he was unlucky at Royal Ascot but the race just didn't pan out for him. He lost ground leaving the stalls and got hampered. He had to chase Frankel and had no chance to find his stride. That was the only time he has ever hung. I don't think we would have won, but I think we could have finished closer to Frankel.

"This will be the third time we meet Frankel - hopefully it will be third time lucky!"

Botti feels his stable star has plenty going for him in Berkshire.

"Frankel will have a pacemaker and so there should be a good, even pace which should suit everyone. The straight course should also help Excelebration and l am happy with the weather forecast as he wants good ground," he added.

Connections are focusing on Saturday's race and have no firm plans beyond that.

"We haven't decided what we will do after Ascot. He could maybe go to Hong Kong but the Breeders' Cup looks very unlikely as it would come too soon," the trainer added.

"I need to talk to the owners about whether he stays in training next year. I would love to have him back next year as he improved physically throughout the season and in my opinion should make up into a better four-year-old."

Posted in: News