The racing world is waiting with bated breath for trainer Henry Cecil to decide whether superstar Frankel will crown his sensational career in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc emerged as an intriguing option after Prince Khalid Abdullah's colt demolished his rivals in last week's Juddmonte International at York where he was tackling 10 furlongs for the first time.
The extra distance was no problem for Frankel as he made top-notch opposition such as St Nicholas Abbey look distinctly ordinary to take his career record to 13 from 13.
Cecil missed Frankel's previous win at Goodwood as he was undergoing the latest course of treatment for stomach cancer first diagnosed six years ago
Britain's most successful trainer in the past 40 years made the trip to York though, and despite appearing frail and leaning on a walking stick, his delight at his colt's latest success enlisted a heart-warming three cheers from the 20,000 race-goers packed around the winner's enclosure.
So far, Frankel has set foot on a racecourse 13 times and Cecil, 10-times a champion trainer, has produced him to run at the top of his game every time.
Frankel has nothing left to prove, his place in racing folklore cemented, and his standing as the hottest stallion prospect since Northern Dancer or Sadler's Wells is assured.
The original plan for Frankel was always to bow out at Ascot in the Champion Stakes on October 20, but the manner in which he won the Juddmonte has brought the Arc, over a mile and a half on October 7, tantalisingly into view.
But Cecil will not be rushed into a decision.
"As for his next race, Frankel will tell me what is the best thing to do and obviously I will discuss it with the prince and Lord Grimthorpe [racing manager]," he said. "The prince will make the final decision."
Reflecting on win number 13 Cecil added: "Frankel did everything right. He behaved beautifully and seemed to get the trip really well.
"The outcome was a tremendous relief to me and, if there was anyone who doubted him in any way, surely their thoughts were put to rest."
Whether he stays at home for the Champion or goes to Paris one thing is clear - there will be no change to the plan to retire him at the end of this season.
"The best time to leave a party is when you least want to go," Grimthorpe said.
