Frankel and Nathaniel to end careers in the QIPCO Champion Stakes?

John Gosden mused on ATR today that Frankel and Nathaniel may finish their careers as they started them facing each other. Back in August 2010 Nathaniel finished only half a length behind the unbeaten champion in their first race at Newmarket. Since then their careers have taken separate paths with Frankel never venturing over a mile and Nathaniel become an impressive winner of both the Coral Eclipse and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. There is still a chance that the two will meet at York next month in the Juddmonte International which is likely to be Frankel's next target after a tilt at winning the Sussex Stakes again at Glorious Goodwood.  Nathaniel is entered into King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on 21 July but Gosden spoke of his concerns about the fact that the race may come too soon after what was a hard seasonal reappearance yesterday. Gosden told Matt Chapman and ATR viewers that "we are going to be watching and monitoring him daily before saying definitely".  Currently quoted at around 5/2 with some firms this news may deter some punters.

What a race the QIPCO Champion Stakes could be? If O'Brien had the courage to race Camelot this could turn out to be the race of the century. By October Gosden may have already lowered the colours of O'Brien's champion by taking away the chance of a Triple Crown with his useful and progressive Michelangelo. Gosden's horse has been attracting support for the final classic over the last few days since his recent victory.