The sense of anticipation ahead of British racing’s richest day of the year stepped up a gear on Wednesday when Frankel accepted for the G1 Champion Stakes (2000m).

All eyes will be on the Khalid Abdulla owned superstar for the final start of his career on October 20.  Unbeaten in 13 starts, Frankel handled the step up to 2000m with consummate ease in the G1 Juddmonte International at York in August.

Frankel was successful on British Champions Day in 2011 in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1600m).  Ascot is already booked full for this year’s meeting.

Opposition to Frankel in the Champion, which has 17 going forward, looks very strong and is likely to provide him with the toughest assignment of his career.  2011 Champion Stakes winner Cirrus des Aigles and the winners of this year’s English, Irish, French and German Derbies have all stood their ground.

Besides Cirrus des Aigles, French interest is provided by Prix du Jockey Club winner Saonois and G1 Falmouth Stakes filly Giofra.