The presence of heavy horse betting favourites Frankel and Canford Cliffs has scared off runners for the Sussex Stakes, with only Rajsaman and Rio De La Plata lining up for Wednesday’s race alongside the heavily backed duo.
The duel between Frankel and Canford Cliffs is one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of the prestigious Glorious Goodwood meet this week, with the unbeaten Frankel just shading it over Canford Cliffs with regards to horse bets.
The race was reoffered because of insufficient entries , but there has been no takers on the offer after five of the nine remaining at the five day stage pulled out.
While Frankel has captured the imagination of the public with his spectacular win in the 2,000 Guineas, Canford Cliffs is expected to provide the unbeaten colt with a stern test, and has picked up wins in each of his last five group 1 races.
Frankel’s trainer Henry Cecil admitted the race would be tough for his charge, but revealed the three-year-old was looking in good shape ahead of the showdown.
“At the moment the horse is in very good form and I’m very happy with him in every way at this stage.” Cecil said.
“He looks well and he’s working well. He’s very happy in himself mentally and he’s relaxed. That’s all I can ask really.
“He had his final gallop and it’s just a case of seeing him through until Wednesday now.” He added.
Frankie Dettori , who till seat Rio De La Plata for the race, is still recovering from his horrific fall at Ascot during Saturday’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Rewilding, but the Italian’s agent Ray Cochrane insisted he would be ready to race.
Cochrane said: “I have not spoken to him since last night but he should be no problem for Goodwood.”