Frankel (GB) has two chances to notch his first Group 1 winner in Saturday's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, with Frankuus (Ire) and Cunco (Ire) both set to make the cross-channel raid.
The Mark Johnston-trained Frankuus traveled successfully to France Oct. 8 to win the G3 Prix de Conde, his second straight stakes win, and Johnston's son and assistant Charlie Johnston said he thinks the 1 1/4-mile trip will suit the grey.
“We left him in the Racing Post Trophy at the five-day stage and we were going to have a look at that if that really cut up, but France was the primary target,” Johnston revealed. “We think the mile-and-a- quarter will really play to his strengths. It's a race we've had in mind for a couple of months and he did a piece of work on Saturday morning ready for it.”
Cunco made headlines when becoming the first winner–and runner–for Frankel at Newbury May 13, but looks to recover his reputation, having failed to win his next five outings. He was third behind Frankuus in the Listed Ascendant S. Sept. 3 and a last-out second in the Listed Zetland S. Oct. 8.
The 13 engaged for the Saint-Cloud also include G2 Beresford S. winner Capri (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
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