John Gosden is eagerly anticipating a crack at next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Nathaniel following his excellent run in defeat in Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes.
Having won the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on his seasonal return before going down by just a nose to Danedream in the King George, the four-year-old was given an easy month by his trainer.
Despite Gosden’s pre-race warning his charge was not at his absolute peak, with a trip to Longchamp his major objective, Nathaniel was sent off favourite for his Leopardstown test.
It looked as though he may get the job done when sent to the front by William Buick in the home straight, but he had no answer when wonder mare Snow Fairy kicked into gear inside the final furlong.
Nathaniel still ran a hugely creditable race over a trip short of his best and on ground quicker than ideal and Gosden feels it will leave his charge spot-on for his trip to Paris on October 7.
“He’s in good order. He ate up last night, had a lead out this morning and he’s on the ferry coming home,” said Gosden.
“I’m thrilled with him as he ran a superb race, I’m really happy with him.
“We were using it as a prep for the Arc, so let’s hope all goes well in the lead-up to Longchamp.
“I think the race will bring him on and the step up to a mile-and-a-half will be fine for him.”
Although Nathaniel was pushed out to 9-1 from 7-1 by Stan James for the Arc immediately after his Leopardstown run, support has seen him come back into 8-1.
