Nathaniel set for Leopardstown

John Gosden says Nathaniel is "more likely" to race in the Irish Champion Stakes than take on Frankel in the Juddmonte International.

Opposition to Frankel in the York race is looking thin on the ground at present with Cirrus Des Aigles already ruled out of the Group One highlight.

Sir Henry Cecil's four-year-old is stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time but cold face little more than a canter if quality opponents do not materialise.

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

However, having been entered into the Irish Champion Stakes at the second stage, the Leopardstown race now looks favourite.

Gosden told The Guardian that a trip to the Knavesmire remains "an option" but a trip to the Dublin track was "more likely".

"We'll see how things are and make a decision closer to the time," said the trainer.

"The horse is in good order but I want to see what the weather's doing, that's always important."

He did, however, dismiss the idea that the International would arrive too soon after the King George.

"That's not an issue. By the time the York race comes around, it won't be far off a month (since he last ran)," he said.

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

"He's a horse I respect," said the Clarehaven handler.

"But, if I'm happy with the race and conditions, I've never in my life been frightened off by one horse."

One who may take on Frankel, however, is William Haggas' Dancing Rain, absent since picking up an injury in Japan.

"We'll either go there or the Yorkshire Oaks, which is the logical choice," said Haggas.

"If it looked like being a very small field for the International, we might go for it.

"We'd be taking on Frankel, which is a near impossible task, but the owners are very keen to have a go at a mile and a quarter at some stage and the first time (this season) is probably the right time to do it, because she'll be fresh."