Excelebration is set to cross swords with Frankel again after making the perfect start to life with Aidan O'Brien in the Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes at the Curragh.
A Group One scorer for Newmarket-based Marco Botti but three times put in his place by the brilliant Frankel, Excelebration (2-7) cruised past his pacemaking stablemate Windsor Palace just inside the final furlong in the hands of the trainer's son, Joseph.
He pulled away fairly effortlessly to score by three and a quarter lengths from Croisultan.
"He's lazy at home and we weren't 100% sure, but he was doing well in his half-speed work with Joseph," said O'Brien.
"Joseph rode him at the Curragh a month ago and was very happy with him. He said he gave him a proper feel, travelled very well and quickened very well. We're looking forward to his next run now."
Excelebration will now go for the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on 19 May when he could face Frankel once more.
"The plan was to come here then go for the Lockinge if everything went well. I'd imagine that is what we'll be looking at now," O'Brien went on.
"Everyone knows what Frankel is, an incredible horse. We're delighted with the way this fellow ran and look forward to the next day.
"He was a very good horse last year. Physically he's very well made. He's done very well over the winter and you couldn't be happier with his first run."
