Gosden looks to defence

Nathaniel: Could defend his Ascot crown

John Gosden insists that he will attempt to prepare Nathaniel for a quick return to action in his defence of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

However, the trainer has warned that the timing is tight - the Betfair-sponsored Group One is a week on Saturday - with the colt having to battle hard against Farhh on his first start of the season in last weekend's Coral-Eclipse.

"He came out of the race well but because of the Olympics and the Jubilee there are only two weeks between the races - there are usually three," said Gosden.

"We'd like to go to the King George but there are other nice races for him later like the Arc, the Juddmonte and the new Champion Stakes at Ascot.

"It's close - they are not sprinters, they are going a mile and a quarter, a mile and a half, and they usually need more time. We'll see."

Gosden was talking on the Newmarket gallops just after racing's superstar Frankel breezed up Warren Hill behind his usual companion Bullet Train.

The trainer said: "Their first race was together on the July Course, Frankel won it 'cosily' by half a length.

"Frankel is like Black Caviar in that he can put a phenomenal sectional in, and no matter how you run he takes you off your feet.

"It would be an honour to race him again, either in the Juddmonte or at Ascot (Champion Stakes)."