A clash between Frankel and Black Caviar might still be unlikely but Frankel’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil says he is up for the challenge if the moment ever arrives.
Frankel is the highest-rated horse in the world ahead of Australia’s Black Caviar with both horses yet to taste defeat.
Black Caviar, with 19 wins to her name, is being aimed at the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot in June which would be her first appearance in the northern hemisphere.
Frankel is preparing for the European racing season and while Cecil said it would be lovely for the two to clash at some stage, he also said he would not alter plans with Frankel just to see it happen.
“Of course I would (look forward to the challenge),” Cecil told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“I think it would be fantastic but I must do the right thing for the horse.
“I’m certainly not bringing him back to seven furlongs (1400m).
“He’s settling now and the idea is that he’s going to go on to a mile and a quarter (2000m).
“If I wanted to at some stage keep him to a mile (1600m) and she wants to up it to a mile and come over it would be lovely.”
Cecil said he had seen footage of the Peter Moody-trained mare Black Caviar racing in Australia.
“She’s got the most lovely temperament and way about her,” he said.
“She does everything very professionally and she is obviously very good. We’re always loyal, he (Moody) wouldn’t swap his mare and I certainly wouldn’t swap my horse.”
A race which could be considered for a possible clash is the Group One Sussex Stakes over 1600m at Goodwood on August 1, should Black Caviar remain in England that long after Royal Ascot.
“We leave all the options open,” Cecil said.
“If the Sussex Stakes was the right race for Frankel, it would be lovely to see the two of them race.
“As I said I’ve got to try and do the best for the horse, whatever that might be. I’d love to take her on as I’m sure she wants to take me on. It would be lovely if that day comes, we’ll just have to see.”
Frankel is expected to kick off his campaign in the Lockinge Stakes in May.
Cecil believes Frankel, winner of all his nine starts, could prove to be even better in the upcoming season having grown up a lot.
“He’s done marvellous so far but I think he could be a better horse this year,” he said.
Cecil said 2012 was likely to be Frankel’s last year of racing before he goes to stud.
