Quality competition set to challenge Frankel at Ascot

The devastating 2000 Guineas winner put now-retired star miler Canford Cliffs firmly in his place with an awesome display in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on his latest start and goes for his ninth success from as many starts in this weekend’s Qipco-sponsored Group One contest.

Marco Botti’s Excelebration could be the rival who puts up most resistance.

Although soundly beaten by Frankel twice this season, an excellent display in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp suggests he is still improving.

“Obviously it’s very exciting to have a good horse going for such a big race,” said Botti.

“He did his final piece of work on Saturday, it went well and he’s ready to run.”

Cecil has also entered Frankel’s stablemate and work companion Bullet Train, who looks set to act as pacemaker on Saturday.

Champion trainer Richard Hannon has entered Dick Turpin and Dubawi Gold, while Godolphin may also be doubly represented with Poet’s Voice and Rio De La Plata.

The Roger Charlton-trained Cityscape, high-class French mare Immortal Verse and Andrew Balding’s Side Glance complete the confirmations.