Opposition to Frankel in the Juddmonte Worldwide Stakes at York later on this month could be thin in the ground with John Gosden raising doubts about his Eclipse winner Nathaniel.

With Cirrus Des Aigles currently ruled out of the Group One particular highlight, the best horse in the globe may have no more than a canter round on his initial start more than 10 furlongs (2000m).

Nathaniel won the Eclipse on his first begin of the season and went down by the narrowest of margins to Danedream in his try to defend his King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes title at Ascot a fortnight later.

Nevertheless, having been entered into the Irish Champion Stakes at the second stage, the Leopardstown race could now be favourite.

Gosden advised the Guardian that a trip to York remains “an alternative” but a trip to Ireland was “much more probably”.

“We’ll see how items are and make a determination closer to the time,” Gosden mentioned.

“The horse is in excellent order but I want to see what the weather’s undertaking, that is constantly critical.”

He did, nevertheless, dismiss the notion that the Global came too quickly right after the King George.

“That is not an concern. By the time the York race comes close to, it will not be far off a month (since he last ran),” he stated.

With Cirrus Des Aigles also now heading for Ireland, Gosden explained he would not be shirking the challenge.

“He’s a horse I respect,” he stated.

“But, if I’m satisfied with the race and ailments, I’ve never in my lifestyle been frightened off by 1 horse.”

One particular who may possibly consider on Frankel, nonetheless, is William Haggas’ Dancing Rain, absent considering that selecting up an injury in Japan.

“We’ll either go there or the Yorkshire Oaks, which is the logical choice,” mentioned Haggas.

“If it looked like becoming a really tiny area for the Worldwide, we might go for it.

“We’d be taking on Frankel, which is a close to impossible job, but the owners are extremely keen to have a go at a mile and a quarter at some stage and the very first time (this season) is almost certainly the appropriate time to do it, because she’ll be fresh.