Frankel deserves to win - Andrew Balding
Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing
Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding has called Frankel "the best horse he has seen in his lifetime" and says he hopes the Sussex Stakes winner will be crowned champion at Ascot on Saturday.
Balding has three horses running on Saturday, with one taking on Frankel in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
But he says the Sir Henry Cecil-trained horse deserves to win.
"I hope it will be a coronation, even though I've got a runner in the race," Balding told BBC Radio Berkshire.
Balding feels Saturday's inaugural Champions Cup meeting is a fitting way to the end the season and is looking forward to the day's action.
"It's nice to have a climax to the season and the prize money is just unprecedented, so it is very exciting for everyone involved," he said.
Balding added of his horses' chances: "We've had a very solid season but have probably lacked a star performer.
"I've managed to get three runners in Champions Day so it cannot be that bad a season and we've got plenty of nice horses for next year as well.
"Chiberta King has been a very consistent performer, probably at a level below what we will experience on Saturday. However if he holds his form then he has a good chance of a top-four finish, certainly in the Champions Long Distance Cup.
"Side Glance has it all to do with Frankel running and it is probably the strongest mile race in Europe for many years.
"Night Carnation, I think, could go very well in the Champions Sprint. She is in great form and is stepping back up to six furlongs and she could go well at a very good price."
Frankel is the star attraction on Saturday and Balding said he was full of admiration for him.
"He is a champion and is the best race horse I have seen in my lifetime," he added.
"He is and looks outstanding and, with the master trainer he has, I'm sure he will be 100% prepared on Saturday and it will be great for everyone to see a true champion."
