Nathaniel Eclipses rivals

Nathaniel (4c Galileo-Magnificent Style, by Silver Hawk) stamped his class on a top-quality field to take the G1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The victory completed a superb double for co-owner Lady Rothschild, whose colours had been carried to success by Nathaniel’s full-sister Great Heavens in the G2 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock less than an hour earlier. Just like his sibling, Nathaniel displayed plenty of courage on his seasonal return as he was committed by William Buick early in the straight before finding more under pressure to prevail by half a length over Farhh. It was a second G1 success for Nathaniel following his victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last season and the Galileo colt looks set to be a warm order to repeat his Ascot heroics once again in two weeks' time. "I have to say that was a fantastic training performance from John Gosden,” said Buick afterwards. “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." “He's a super horse, but it has been very difficult to get him right as he has had a respiratory problem," added Gosden. "He's put in a massive effort here, so we will just have to have a good think about whether we run again (so soon). "It's two weeks to the King George and that's not great. It will be fun to take on Frankel once more, as there was only half a length between them in a maiden a long time ago. The Juddmonte (International) would be an option, as would the Champion Stakes at the end of the year."