Breeders' Cup and Japan on the radar for Goliath after defeat of Dubai Honour in German Group 1

Last year's King George winner Goliath returned to winning ways at Group 1 level when landing the Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany.

The five-year-old was beaten by a head in a Group 3 contest at Deauville last time but he put that effort behind him with a powerful performance. He travelled strongly before taking up the running in the home straight and swiftly accelerated clear of Dubai Honour.

It was a second Group 1 win in 16 starts for the son of Adlerflug, who travelled to Japan and Hong Kong to contest major races in November and April, under rider Clement Lecoeuvre for trainer Francis Graffard. The Japan Cup is once again on his radar according to connections, although a tilt at the Breeders' Cup before then is also a possibility.

"I'm delighted for the horse," Graffard said. "That will have done wonders for his morale and he clearly enjoyed being back over a mile and a half. Clement rode his last piece of work on Tuesday and my only instructions were to let him stride on and not to fight him. 

"The idea of going to Germany was that it's a bonus race for the Japan Cup. Before that he could go to the Breeders' Cup, which would please his owner John Stewart."

Francis Graffard: trainer of GoliathCredit: Edward Whitaker

Stewart, who mans Resolute Bloodstock, bought into Goliath after his King George success. The Prix d'Hedouville, Prix du Conseil de Paris and La Coupe are other notable races on the gelding's record.

Dubai Honour had to switch off the rail under Tom Marquand and could get only to within a length and a quarter of Goliath at the line, filling the same position as 12 months ago when chasing home Fantastic Moon. 

Read more:

Sahlan holds off Rosallion's late challenge for Group 1 upset 

'We've left plenty to work on' - Byzantine Dream boosts Japanese hopes of elusive Arc win in Prix Foy 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.