Nathaniel sired a new Group winner today with Steel Prince landing the Gr.3 Geelong Cup at Geelong in Australia today.

In a thrilling finish, the seven-year-old held off his stable-mate Le Don De Vie by a long head. It is hoped this performance will gain him a start in the Melbourne Cup for the second year in a row for the father/son training partnership of Anthony and Sam Freedman, and owners Collins St Partners, BN Griffith et al.

Sam Freedman said: “He loves a dogfight. He gets a bit lost when he goes clear of a field so when they come up alongside him he really knuckles down. I knew that when he got near the lead he’d definitely be fighting it out.

“Steel Prince has probably earnt himself another shot at it, the owners have been really patient with him. They haven’t pushed us to get him into the Melbourne Cup. We’ve looked after the horse first and we’ll see how he comes through it. That’ll be the plan at this stage.”

Jockey Jye McNeil said: “The Geelong Cup win proved Steel Prince was back to his best. He went great last year in the Melbourne Cup, and based on today he’s going as well as last time. He’ll run an honest race for sure.”

Steel Prince has now won six races which also includes the Listed The Andrew Ramsden at Flemington as well as having been placed twice previously in Group company.

Bred in Ireland by Grangecon Stud, this son of Nathaniel is out of Steel Princess (Danehill), also the dam of Gr.1 winner Sarah Lynx, Group winner Sugar Boy and Stakes placed Influx. As a yearling Steel Prince realised 500,000gns at Tattersalls.

Nathaniel has sired three Gr.1 winners including the superstar Enable, and a total of 42 Stakes winners or performers.