Nathaniel can rule King George again
ThE season could barely have gone any smoother for trainer John Gosden and his NATHANIEL ( ascot, 4.35) should augment a terrific campaign with a repeat success in today’s King George.
Last year’s hero didn’t necessarily receive the acclaim he deserved for landing the prestigious Group one with the race falling apart courtesy of rewilding’s fatal injury and Workforce striking into himself.
st Nicholas abbey, well beaten in third that day, reopposes this afternoon but there appears no reason why he should reverse the placings with the selection who arrives on the back of a gritty victory in the Eclipse a fortnight ago.
Gosden had reportedly struggled to have the four-year- old ready for his sandown test due to a respiratory problem and there is a slight concern that a brave defeat of Farhh may have taken the edge off Nathaniel after his extended break.
however, his shrewd handler is not one to gamble with a horse’s condition and the vibes for Nathaniel have been good ahead of today’s terrific renewal.
There is a school of thought which believes st Nicholas abbey is better left handed and a bigger threat could emerge from sea moon and Dunaden who renew their rivalry from royal ascot. sea moon proved three lengths too strong in the hardwicke stakes, but Dunaden suffered trouble in running that day, albeit thanks to his lack of tactical speed at a crucial stage, and the margin may well be narrowed this time.
The presence of arc winner Danedream adds further lustre to a glittering contest and, as she wasn’t suited by a stopstart gallop in a saint- Cloud Group one last time, it is
BBC2
• probably too early to write her off.
however, a cherry-ripe Nathaniel looks the pick of these runners and if he is in the same form as he was at sandown then the son of Galileo can write himself into the record books. MUFFIN McLEAY ( ripon, nap, 4.20) has participated in two well contested handicaps on his last two outings and should enjoy a slight drop in class today.
his effort in finishing fourth at Carlisle was another sound one and the race is working out well.