Nathaniel ‘less than 50-50’ for York

Connections of Coral-Eclipse winner Nathaniel are unlikely to take on Frankel in next Wednesday’s Juddmonte International Stakes unless there is significant rain at York.

That was the message from James Wigan, racing manager to Nathaniel’s owner Lady Rothschild, after he had supervised the saddling of Trade Commissioner in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury yesterday.

Nathaniel, trained by John Gosden, is among nine possible opponents to Frankel in the Group One on the Knavesmire in six days’ time which will be that unbeaten colt’s first attempt at a mile and a quarter.