Classic confrontation as Godolphin look to bring Ballydoyle domination to a halt

Many horses have been left toiling by Native Trail, but the Godolphin colt's merciless dispatching of Point Lonsdale in the National Stakes was symbolic of the changing landscape of 2021. Two unbeaten juveniles representing racing's global superpowers Godolphin and Coolmore, but one clear winner. It was a recurring theme throughout the year.

Sheikh Mohammed's vast operation moved out of the shadow cast by its staunchest rival with a sustained period of success that propelled trainer Charlie Appleby to his first British trainers' title. Star three-year-olds Adayar and Hurricane Lane led the Group 1 feast and the latest Classic crop offers a smorgasbord for another bountiful banquet at the top table.

In Native Trail, last year's champion juvenile by some considerable margin, Godolphin have a centrepiece they can build their season around. With a perfect five from five, including two wins on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst last year and the Craven Stakes on his comeback, the son of Oasis Dream aims to succeed where Pinatubo failed two years ago and provide Appleby with his first 2,000 Guineas victory.