Horse racing: Newmarket gallop for Frankel

The world’s highest-rated racehorse will be partnered by regular work companion  Bullet Train on the Rowley  Mile at 8.30am, ahead of what is likely to be the Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt’s final race at Ascot on Saturday week.

Newmarket stage the Dubai Future Champions Day this weekend and director of racing Michael Prosser is pleased with the state of the ground. He said: “The ground is good to soft. The forecast is for Wednesday to be dry. It is also predicted to be dry for much of Thursday  before rain is anticipated late afternoon. That should have gone through by dawn on Friday.”

Meanwhile, David Pipe has yet to make a final decision on where stable star Grands Crus will start off his season.

The top-class staying  hurdler made a brilliant start to his career over fences last term, winning at Cheltenham,  Newbury and in the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton. He  disappointed when a hot  favourite for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but has pleased his trainer since returning from his summer break and a decision on his likely starting point is not far away.

The talented grey, who  carries the colours of Roger Stanley and Yvonne Reynolds, is the ante-post favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at  Cheltenham next month.

Pipe said: “He’s in good order and I’m pleased with where he is at the moment. I’m not sure yet where he’s going to start off. I’ll have a chat with the owners very shortly and we’ll go from  there. There are a few options and the races he can run in are fairly obvious, including the Paddy Power and the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

“I need to discuss things with the owners before making a  decision.”

Aiming to follow in Grands Crus’ hoofprints this term will be Dynaste, another with form at the highest level in staying hurdles who will embark on a career over fences in the near future. “He’s in good order and he’ll be going novice chasing at some point,” said Pipe. “If it keeps raining, he could be out before too long. He’s not far away as long as he continues to do things as he is at the  moment.”