Frankendael

Frankendael put up a really likeable performance in winning the listed two-mile handicap hurdle at Listowel last Friday. Held up towards the rear early on by Daniel King, he was still only eighth or ninth as they turned for home, but he wasn’t that far off the leaders and he still travelled well. He made his ground among horses, moved into second place between the final two flights, joined the leader Lord Erskine over the last and came away from his rivals on the run-in.

The early pace wasn’t strong, and Frankendael did well to come from well back in the field and win as impressively as he did. His trainer Eric McNamara had a fantastic Listowel Festival, and it is probable that the Camelot gelding was primed for this, but it was only his fourth run over hurdles, and there is every chance that he can continue to progress. His two wins on the flat in Britain for Tim Easterby and Ed Bethell respectively were gained on soft and heavy ground, so he will remain of interest as we move more deeply into the autumn. The handicapper has raised him by 8lb to a mark of 124, but he should be progressive enough to be able to cope with that type of rating.

Listowel, 27^th September 2024