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EXCEL OUT TO STAR IN QEII

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Fri

With no Frankel in opposition, Excelebration has the chance to flaunt his undoubted ability in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The four-year-old, trained by Aidan O'Brien, has been beaten five times by Frankel, including twice this year, but with Sir Henry Cecil's superstar having stepped up a mile and a quarter, Excelebration has a golden opportunity to prove himself the top miler in Europe in this Qipco-sponsored Group One.

Runner-up to Frankel in this race 12 months ago, when handled by Marco Botti, he showed his class with a smooth victory in the Jacques le Marois at Longchamp in August.

TRAVEL KEY TO WIZZ SPRINT BID

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...e&sub=&day=Fri

Connections of Irish-owned filly Wizz Kid are hoping concerns about her journey from France prove ill-founded ahead of the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot.

The four-year-old, who will be ridden Olivier Peslier, can be a poor traveller, but she was able to run her race 12 months ago when second to Deacon Blues and returns to Berkshire on the back of a storming Group One success nearer home.

That came in the Prix de l'Abbaye, where she pounced late to pip July Cup hero Mayson in the five-furlong dash on Arc day at Longchamp.