Frankel and Canford Cliffs will face just two rivals in G1 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.

French raider Rajsaman and Darley galloper Rio De La Plata are the only others in a four-horse field despite an extension to acceptances.

Canford Cliffs (Tagula) is prepared by Richard Hannon and the champion trainer believes the winner can rightfully be billed as the best horse in the world.  “Frankel is the best horse in the world and if Canford Cliffs beats him then he takes that position,” Hannon said on the weekend.  “It’s going to be a hell of a race.

“If there are any weaknesses in Canford Cliffs, I haven’t found them.  He is probably at his peak now.  He is a strong horse and going well.”

Frankel (Galileo) will be taking on older horses for the first time and much of the pre-race discussion has centred on the manner in which he will be ridden.

Frankel produced an amazing display of front-running in the G1 English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before scrambling home in the G1 Prince Of Wales at Royal Ascot after jockey Tom Queally took off a long way from home.

“Every race is run differently,” trainer Sir Henry Cecil said.  “We won’t attempt the same tactics as the 2000 Guineas, that’s for sure.  The jockey knows the horse and we will discuss the plan and the alternatives, but then it’s up to him.”

The Sussex Stakes will pit Frankel, the star of the classic generation, against the year older Canford Cliffs, whose five G1 victories include the 2010 Sussex Stakes.   “It’s good for racing,” Cecil added.  “I hope it’s a sensibly run race and the best horse wins.”

Start time: Thursday 12.10am (AEST)