Nathaniel, a major player in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot
The John Gosden-trained 4-year-old colt, Nathaniel, has got his place confirmed in the current 17-runner line-up for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored By Betfair, to be held at Royal Ascot on July 21st.
Galileo’s son has been out of action since October last year. He is scheduled to make his seasonal comeback in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse this weekend, only if Sandown’s ground suits him.
The maverick runner has plenty of entries in hand, as he is due to run in the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Goldsmiths Stakes at Newmarket next week.
Despite a lot of high profile entries, the Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes is on top of his priority list. The Sandown battle has attracted many dangerous runners, but the defending champion seems to be the strongest contestant.
He was last seen in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he finished fifth behind Cirrus Des Aigles. Prior to his trouncing in the Group 1 meeting, the colt registered two consecutive triumphs.
After crushing the opposition in the Kind Edward VII Stakes, he perpetuated his good work to clinch a comfortable victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Nathaniel’s stable-mate and last year's St Leger winner, Masked Marvel, is also likely to make it to the final line-up. The 4-year-old was not impressive in both of his appearances this season.
After finishing seventh at Newmarket in May, the B. E. Nielsen-owned could not raise his game and as a result, ended up third in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup last month.
With Nathaniel and Masked Marvel, Gosden has a strong representation in the big battle. On the other hand, Cirrus Des Aigles is a surprise absentee.
Aidan O’Brien also has a strong hand in the Group 1 event. The veteran handler will be represented by Windsor Palace, St Nicholas Abbey, Robin Hood, Memphis Tennessee and Imperial Monarch.
Mahmood Al Zarooni’s Dubai World Cup hero, Monterosso, might also show his class in the mega meeting. Others in the line-up are: Brown Panther, Red Cadeaux and Light Heavy.
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