Hughes: Frankel may be too free Richard Hughes feels the likely small field in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes will be against Frankel. Richard Hannon's stable-jockey partners Canford Cliffs against the 2000 Guineas winner in the 'Duel On The Downs' and feels a tactical affair will suit his partner better. "The good thing is my lad is easy and I imagine with only a few runners there won't be much pace at Goodwood which means Frankel will run free," he predicted. "I would not be surprised if Tom (Queally on Frankel) made the running with only four or so runners - if he drops in, we won't go fast. The start is downhill as well. "Frankel settled very well at Ascot when we were going a million up the hill - I was on Dubawi Gold, sitting second, and I could not have gone an inch faster, off the bridle. That is why Frankel settled so well at Ascot but, if he was going slow, then he would be keen. If we go slow, he will be free. " Hughes admits the showdown on Wednesday week is a race he is relishing. "I cannot wait for the Sussex Stakes. I am looking forward to it just as much as the race against Goldikova at Royal Ascot - we got that job done. "Canford Cliffs is the best I have ever ridden - I have ridden some good horses in my career but the first time I sat on this lad, I had never ridden anything like him. "I think Frankel is a brilliant three-year-old - no doubt. I don't think the three-year-olds are brilliant as a whole but he is probably one of the best three-year-olds we have seen for a long time which is why he has stood out. Hughes feels his partner is still on the upgrade and has few fears over the forecast rain before the meeting. "Canford Cliffs looks better than ever. I think he is a little bit like Sea The Stars - he will just do what he has to do. He will go by whatever is in front of him. No matter what you follow, he will go by it - you feel he will go by anything. He travelled so easy at Royal Ascot," Hughes said. "He won a maiden on soft ground - I think he would cope with that ground - most champions do. "You would like to think that both horses are healthy on the day and there are no excuses - head to head at the furlong pole would be nice to see and then the best horse will win."
