Today’s York Nunthorpe Stakes betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
An exciting field of 16 are set for battle on the Knavesmire on Friday
THE big race on day three of the Ebor Festival is the Nunthorpe Stakes over 5f, with the top sprinter Battaash a red-hot favourite.
He locks horns with Blue Point once again in the Group 1, having been run down late by the Godolphin runner at Royal Ascot.
1. Alpha Delphini (50-1) - Bryan Smart/Graham Lee
Smart sprinter has been beaten narrowly in Listed company the last twice.
Finished eighth when sent off 50-1 for this race last season.
A similar story looks likely again this year.
2. Battaash (4-6f) - Charlie Hills/Jim Crowley
Top-class sprinter bolted up in the King George at Glorious Goodwood last time.
Played up before the start when finishing fourth in this race last term.
Has calmed down a lot this season and he will likely prove too hot to handle.
Charlie Hills on Battaash
"He's drawn 14, which is fine, and we've been very pleased with him since Goodwood. He was impressive that day and did it really well.
"He had his last breeze on Tuesday morning and we were very happy with him.
"We were beaten by Blue Point at Royal Ascot - he is in there again - but a flat five furlongs will suit us more and we are really looking forward to running him.
"I think we'll saddle him in the stables and then take him across the track on the horsebox.
"He's had plenty of racing since last year and he's generally behaved well, to be fair."
3. Blue Point (4-1) - Charlie Appleby/William Buick
High-class colt won the Group 2 Gimcrack at this meeting as a younger horse.
Ran down Battaash late in the day when winning the King's Stand at Royal Ascot.
A bit disappointing in the July Cup last time, but he is the main danger to the favourite.
Charlie Appleby on Blue Point
"I'm pleased with the draw. We're in stall 16 and Battaash is in 14, so it's not like we're on the opposite side to him, which is good.
"We're very happy with our horse going into the race. His preparation has gone well.
"Obviously we hope the rain stays away as he's definitely better on quicker ground.
"We've all got Battaash to beat over this trip, on this track.
"It's a good race, but we're looking forward to it and hoping for a good run."
4. Caspian Prince (16-1) - Mick Appleby/Ben Curtis
Admirable sprinter who usually wears his heart on his sleeve.
Now a nine-year-old but still capable of some very smart form, including when second in a Group 2 latest.
Likes to get on with things so should be right up there on the front-end and could hit the frame.
5. Judicial (20-1) - Julie Camacho/Luke Morris
Talented six-year-old looks to just be reaching his potential.
Has won his last two starts, including a Group 3 at Sandown where he beat Muthmir.
Jockey Luke Morris won this race last season aboard Marsha. One to consider.
6. Mr Lupton (25-1) - Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan
Loves it at this track, winning three of his six starts including a course and distance Listed race.
Ran a huge race to finish fourth behind Battaash at Glorious Goodwood last time.
Looks a lively outsider for top northern yard.
7. Muthmir (22-1) - William Haggas/Daniel Tudhope
Reliable eight-year-old who is making his second appearance in this Group 1.
Has won three times at Group 2 level over the years and won a Listed race at Haydock earlier this season.
Often hits the frame and a strongly-run race will suit him, so could pick up the pieces late on.
8. Take Cover (20-1) - David Griffiths/David Allan
Popular 11-year-old still going strong for Yorkshire trainer David Griffiths.
He has run in this race three times, finishing third to Mecca's Angel in 2016.
Ran a cracker to finish second to Battaash at Goodwood and will give his all once again, though hard to see him reversing the form.
David Griffiths on Take Cover
"I think he showed at Goodwood he's as good as ever and I think he's exactly where we'd want him going into this race.
"He's been third in a Nunthorpe before (2016). Obviously we've got Battaash to beat, as well as Blue Point, but Battaash has boiled over before and you've got to go there and take him on.
"Battaash is a phenomenal horse, to do what he did at Goodwood. And the thing is he doesn't even look like a big, strong sprinter - he looks like a pony - but obviously he's got a massive engine."
9. Washington DC (25-1) - Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan
Very talented performer on his day but just six wins from 31 starts.
Has been placed three times at Group 1 level and will like it if they go hard up front.
Not one for maximum faith, but was beaten just a head by Battaash in the Temple Stakes earlier this season.
10. Abel Handy (100-1) - Declan Caroll/Kevin Stott
Had some strong form as a two-year-old, winning a Newmarket Group 3 in the autumn.
Has yet to repeat that level of form in three runs this year, finishing well beaten last time.
Yet to convince he has trained on into his three-year-old season.
11. Battle Of Jericho (40-1) - Aidan O'Brien/Frankie Dettori
Beat Caspian Prince in a big handicap at the Curragh two starts ago.
Heavy defeats in Group 1 and Group 2 company either side of that victory.
Frankie Dettori takes the ride but his form is below that of several others.
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12. Declarationofpeace (66-1) - Aidan O'Brien/Michael Hussey
Kept busy as a two-year-old and won at the Breeders' Cup in November.
Ran shockers in his first two starts of the season at this course and at Ascot.
Took a step back in the right direction when fourth to Havana Grey last time, but this is much tougher.
13. Havana Grey (22-1) - Karl Burke/P J McDonald
Enjoyed a successful two-year-old season, winning at Glorious Goodwood and placing at Group 1 level.
Made a slow start to the season but won a Group 2 in Ireland two starts ago.
Well behind Battaash when sixth in the King George earlier this month.
14. Sioux Nation (20-1) - Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore
Won a Group 1 last season but his overall profile is hit and miss.
Ran well when fifth in the July Cup but bombed out at Goodwood.
Gets first-time blinkers and he is the choice of Ryan Moore. Place chance.
15. Mabs Cross (14-1) - Michael Dods/Tom Eaves
High-class filly won a Group 3 at Newmarket in the spring.
Wasn't far behind Battaash in the Temple Stakes and the King's Stand Stakes.
Ran a little below expectations when a beaten favourite last time, but a serious player if bouncing back.
Michael Dods on Mabs Cross
"I never get tired of talking about her.
"William Haggas' (Sea Of Class) is a very good filly so I'm not surprised she's favourite, but Laurens' style of winning maybe leaves everyone to think that is all she is.
"We think there's a bit more in the tank and we'll find out here.
"You would tend to think if they stay a mile at two - don't forget she's a Fillies' Mile winner - they should be able to stay a mile and a half at three.
"While (her sire) Siyouni is a huge influence for speed, her dam's side is laden with stamina, so we're as confident as we can be that she will get the trip."
16. Heartache (33-1) - Clive Cox/Adam Kirby
Won a pair of Group 2's last season at Ascot and Doncaster.
Hasn't run anywhere near that level in three starts this season.
Trainer is a dab-hand with his sprinters but hard to see her getting involved.