Horse Racing: Big two clash at Goodwood

The 'Duel on the Downs' has emerged more prescient than a hyperactive marketing tagline, with just two horses standing in the way of the big two. And while Rio De La Plata and Rajsaman are honourable opponents, they surely lack the class of Frankel and Canford Cliffs.

That leaves the conundrum of who will come out on top from the stellar duo, with preference for Frankel, Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt.

Richard Hughes, the rider of Canford Cliffs, will be keen to closely monitor the activities of Frankel, whose turn of foot has already become the stuff of folklore.

If still in contention at the one-furlong marker, trainer Richard Hannon will fancy the chances of his excellent colt claiming back-to-back victories in the Group One affair. To that end, much will depend on the guidance and judgment of Frankel's jockey, Tom Queally.

A lot has been said, and written, about Queally in recent months - some of it true, most of it utter garbage. The cries of his inability in the saddle must be considered wide of the mark, as Cecil, not to mention a host of other trainers, would simply not have persevered with a no hoper.

Despite Queally having still retained his unbeaten alliance with the horse, only Frankel's distilled brilliance got him out of trouble at Ascot, and, regardless of Cecil and Queally's claims, he appeared to have had a tough race. It was certainly no cakewalk for Canford Cliffs in the Queen Anne, either, so fears of a recent outing having left its mark must be levelled at both horses.

Having endured one false dawn on Saturday with an utterly unsatisfactory renewal of the King George, racing needs both horses to bring their 'A' game. Frankel is potentially a degree stronger than that of his esteemed rival, especially being in receipt of 8lb.

Chandlery, meanwhile, looks a good thing to reverse placings with Red Duke in the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes, 2.35.

Richard Hannon throws four horses at this Group Two prize, in which Chandlery can turnaround Superlative Stakes form with Red Duke, who carries a 3lb penalty.