Nathaniel back in action to eclipse rivals
NATHANIEL made a winning return to action in yesterday’s 3.45 Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. With So You Think a shock absentee, proven performer Nathaniel boasted the strongest form and made it count with the going softish.
Nathaniel (7-2) showed fantastic determination and bravery – getting the better of Farhh, the 11-4 favourite ridden by Frankie Dettori, when challenged in the closing stages.
He really stuck his head out under William Buick and the pair crossed the line half-a-length clear with the runnerup doing little wrong in defeat.
The 2010 hero, Twice Over (16-1), under Tom Queally, finished third.
Nathaniel’s trainer John Gosden had played the bid to land the Coral-Eclipse first prize of £241,000 somewhat coolly, saying Nathaniel might need his first run back to settle, and that the King George was the main target.
Buick enthused after yesterday’s spirited performance: “I have to say that was a fantastic training performance from John Gosden.
“To get the horse here in the shape he was in, all credit to John. He’s got real quality and he showed today what a good horse he is. I have always had a lot of faith in this horse.
“He showed his versatility today and all being well he’ll go for the King George again.”
Cityscape (6-1), which produced a career-best performance in winning the Dubai Duty Free at Meydan in March, finished fourth.