Weekend Review: Germans dream of further Arc success

There was a rousing finish to the Betfair-sponsored King George as Arc heroine Danedream just got up in the final stride to overhaul Nathaniel, preventing him from regaining the title he won last year in the prestigious Ascot contest. John Gosden's colt has proven himself as a most consistent and reliable performer and defied fears that his recent Eclipse victory may have left its mark, managing to run up to his best. It was not quite enough, however, as German-trained Danedream stayed on powerfully to get up in the shadows of the post, having conceded first-run to Nathaniel.

A return to Longchamp in October looks sure to be on the agenda for Dandream, who currently trades at 8.0 to retain her crown, second-favourite behind triple-crown seeking Camelot. Danedream entered Saturday's race on the back of a poor effort and, although not quite matching the figure she achieved when winning the Arc, she allayed any concerns that her effort in winning the Arc de Triomphe would prove a one-off performance.

Having narrowly missed out on Saturday, Gosden and Buick did not have to wait long for their next Group 1 victory as Great Heavens surged clear of her rivals in Sunday's Irish Oaks. With soft conditions very much in her favour, Nathaniel's full-sister was well-backed to provide connections with compensation for Saturday's narrow reverse. She duly obliged, although not without providing supporters with a bit of a fright as she was caught in a pocket, seemingly under pressure. Once extracted, Great Heavens really found her stride and powered clear of her rivals to register a three-length success. She once again displayed stamina in abundance and, unsurprisingly, the St Leger has been mooted as a future target.

The Prix Robert Papin was the highlight of a good card at Maisons-Laffitte and it was the two British raiders, Reckless Abandon and Sir Prancealot, who dominated the finish. Clive Cox's Royal Ascot winner Reckless Abandon managed to fend off the late challenge of Sir Prancealot to maintain his unbeaten record, however his wayward tendencies were evident once more as he jinked to his left late on. Cox looks to have a really talented two-year-old on his hands, provided, of course, he can keep the horse's quirks in check.

There was less British joy in the supporting Prix Eugene Adam as the Brian Meehan-trained Cogito finished in second, whilst John Gosden's Starboard could manage only fourth. Meehan was pleased with his colt's effort, following his poor showing at Royal Ascot, and he will reportedly be targeted at races in America.

One horse who may be worth noting for the future is Toronado. Richard Hannon's youngster had created a good impression on debut and followed it up with another promising display at Ascot on Saturday. Although it was only a listed contest, Toronado impressed with the way he travelled, before quickening clear to register a comfortable victory. He is sure to face tougher challenges later in the season, but his evident professionalism is sure to stand him in good stead as he steps up in grade.

Field of Dream produced a late surge to land the competitive Betfair International Stakes. He had produced a fine effort coming fourth in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and once again displayed his liking for the track as he travelled smoothly under a confident Richard Hughes, before mowing down Edinburgh Knight late on. He will reportedly tackle another competitive handicap at Glorious Goodwood, where he will carry a 3lb penalty for Saturday's success.

Carlton House was all the rage in the Summer Mile, but let his supporters down as he couldn't take advantage of the drop in grade. He had produced a fine effort to finish second to So You Think over ten furlongs at the Royal meeting and it was thought he may well be suited dropping back to a mile against inferior opposition, however Carlton House produced a lacklustre effort, dead-heating for fourth. Excuses can perhaps be made, as he would have preferred a stronger pace and found himself trapped out wide, racing too exuberantly, but, for all his talent, he is starting to become expensive to follow and is running perilously close to being labelled as a frustrating type.

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