Grenadier Guards© Japan Racing AssociationEurope

New 2YO Gr.1 winner for Frankel as Guards takes track record

2YO Grenadier Guards became the 12th Group 1 winner for Frankel following an impressive track record-breaking performance in the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at Hanshin on Sunday (20th December).

The colt is the third top-level winner for Frankel in Japan after champion and Classic winner Soul Stirring and Mozu Ascot. Bred by Northern Racing, his dam is the 2015 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Wavell Avenue.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 21st December 2020:

Stalking the pace off the six-length lead set by Mondreise (Daiwa Major), Grenadier Guards was poised in second by the time they straightened. Grenadier Guards gradually cut down that rival's advantage in the lane, hit the lead at the furlong marker and held off a rallying Stella Volce (Bago) to win by three-quarters of a length in track record time. Favoured Red Belle Aube (Deep Impact) travelled further back and keenly early before making up late ground to grab third.

Grenadier Guards was making his fourth start for trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida. Second on debut at Niigata on 26th July, he dropped back to fourth next out at Chukyo before graduating by three lengths over this course on 7th November.

Frankel has three stakes winners in Japan and 23 winners from 43 runners.

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