3.25 York
Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (2YO plus)
Winner £136,248
Pick: Starspangledbanner (win), Kingsgaite Native (each/way)
Borderlescott: Never run a bad race, and proved himself better than ever last year when campaigned mainly at this trip, winning this for second year running, placed in Temple and the Abbaye (didn’t get run in L’Abbaye); Run well all season and best effort when winning King George Sprint last time; Always goes well here and maximum respect of completely recovered from muscle injury.
Equiano: Been revelation this year, coming right back to best and winning Abernant, Palace House, and King’s Stand Stakes (second in Temple inbetween), with an excellent second in the July Cup last time; Has to face Starspangledbanner again today but was pushing him hard all way and flat 5f is his home turf; Major chance.
Kingsgate Native: Arguably best in this field when on form, having beaten Equiano without match practice in Temple Stakes but flopped in King’s Stand; Did have throat infection for latter mentioned race but record is one of inconsistency and disappointed in this race as favourite last year; Very talented and chance but unreliable.
Prime Defender: Back to form when fifth in Maurice De Gheest last time but well behind most of field on last 2 starts and more needed now.
Spin Cycle: Had some smart juvenile form and hasn’t exactly had things go his way since but has tried hard on all starts this year and last; Well behind Borderlescott last time though and a lot to find on last 3 efforts.
Starspangledbanner: Held some excellent form in Australia and has possibly even improved based on what he has done for Ballydoyle, winning the Golden Jubilee and the July Cup in near record times, marking him down as one to beat in Sprinting division; One to beat on those efforts but only worry is that Equiano was pushing him hard at 5f in July Cup and on a flat track, the 2 will be tightly matched; Arguably world’s best sprinter though and trainer thinks trip will suit fine.
Mister Hughesie: Won handicap well at Newmarket and would have won again had he not fallen at Beverley suffering confidence dent which led to loss of form; Closing late in King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last time but more needed.
Sole Power: Promising at 2 yrs, placed in listed event at the Curragh and sales race at York before landing short odds in Dundalk maiden; Hasn’t held form brilliantly in Group sprints and this much tougher.
Fleeting Sprit: The best filly/mare sprinter around, having won the July Cup in sensational style last year and having been unlucky not to land the Abbaye (no run up inside) and Sprint Cup (ground too soft); Excellent fourth when beating side in Golden Jubilee but did not go on from that as expected when rather lacklustre fifth in July Cup last time; Drop back to 5f might suit her though, and major contender anyway.
Piccadilly Filly: Holds some really good juvenile form over this trip in maidens and a French listed race; run with credit both starts this term (particularly when second in French Group 2 on seasonal reappearance) but needs to improve.
Rose Blossom: Impressive wins either side of her Queen Mary 7th last year, which is easily forgiven (raced impossible pace to keep that day) and ran respectably in Flying Childers at end of season, showing plenty of promise; Blitzed rivals over 5f at York to begin season and when things have gone her way, she has been way too good for 9 rivals here in Group 3 last time; Good filly if things go right but this toughest test yet.
Dinkum Diamond: Comfortable success in maiden was greatly improved on when winning listed race in nice style at Sandown; Came up short in Norfolk although he wasn’t at best that day (had sore joints afterwards) ; Still, this much harder and needs a lot more to be competitive here.
Stone Of Folca: Always been highly regarded from stable that has good record with this type, having won this event with similar horse in Kingsgate Native (when at their yard), and showed promise when twice occupying fourth place within the space of 3 days at Royal Ascot in June; Caught on line when second in Molecomb and would be foolish to discount given his pedigree and huge weight concession.
VERDICT: A stellar renewal to round off a stellar week of racing. It’s dangerous to turn races into 2 horse matches, but it’s going to be hard to split Equiano and arguably world leading sprinter STARSPANGLEDBANNER. The former should be much better at this trip, but the latter gets the vote on the basis that his main 3 form rivals are all drawn 10 stalls away from him, and that he wasn’t beaten at 5f in the July Cup last time. There are a few opportunities for each/way bets here, not least Kingsgate Native who should be competitive if back to his best at 5f (holds Equiano on Temple Stakes win).
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