Noble handed Ascot mission
Frankel’s full-brother Noble Mission features among a field of seven declared runners in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.
An encouraging second on his sole juvenile appearance at Yarmouth, the three-year-old made a winning return at Newbury before following up in a Listed heat at Newmarket.
He suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Thought Worthy on his latest appearance and tackles that opponent again this week.
Noble Mission is one of two runners in the mile-and-a-half test for trainer Sir Henry Cecil, with Thomas Chippendale stepping up in grade following an impressive handicap win at Newmarket.
John Gosden runs Investec Derby fourth Thought Worthy, as well as Shantaram, who ran some fine races in defeat before getting off the mark at Headquarters last time.
Aidan O’Brien runs Derby third Astrology, with Farhaan and Initiator completing the line-up.
