Opposition to Frankel in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York later this month could be thin in the ground with John Gosden raising doubts about his Eclipse winner Nathaniel.

With Cirrus Des Aigles already ruled out of the Group One highlight, the best horse in the world may have no more than a canter round on his first start over 10 furlongs (2000m).

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

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

Gosden told the Guardian that a trip to York remains "an option" but a trip to Ireland was "more likely".

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

"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 came 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 Ireland, Gosden said he would not be shirking the challenge.

"He's a horse I respect," he said.

"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.