STRIVING FOR GREATNESS: HOW HE COMPARES WITH FRANKEL

TWO-YEAR-OLD CAREERS Frankel

Unbeaten in four starts in his first season. Most impressive win came in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot, when he stormed clear by 10 lengths. Earned an official rating of 126.

Pinatubo

Six wins from six starts, his most eye-catching in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh when he won by nine lengths. Finished the season with a rating of 128.

CHARACTER Frankel

Full on, raced with his heart on his sleeve, often debatable as to whether the horse or the jockey was running the show.

Pinatubo

Hides his light under a bushel. At home, he does only what is asked of him. Does not impress nor does he disappoint, so it is hard to gauge just how well he is going. That is why he went to lowly Wolverhampton and was sent off 3-1 for his first start.

SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT Frankel

Was a big strong rangy colt who always looked like he would only improve from two to three. When, as legend goes, he overtook a train that was running parallel to his gallops, the potential seemed to have been realised.

Pinatubo

Smaller version, more compact two-year-old not guaranteed to improve at three, but so far clear of the rest on official figures, to win the Guineas he may not have to.

WHAT THEY DID NEXT Frankel

Took the 2,000 Guineas field apart – he stormed out of the stalls and was 12 lengths clear by halfway. Won by six lengths. Victories in the St James’ Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes followed that summer of 2011, as did five more Group One triumphs as a four-year-old. Finished career unbeaten in 14 starts and won £3 million in prize money.

Pinatubo

That is the $64,000,000 question.

BACKSTORY Frankel

Sir Henry Cecil, one of the great trainers of the 20th century, was down on his luck, reduced to 20 horses and suffering from stomach cancer, when the best horse he ever trained came along. Cecil died in June 2013, nine months after Frankel’s last run. Pinatubo

Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Trainer Charlie Appleby is a West Country lad making a big name for himself as Godolphin’s No 1 trainer.