Aussie star sprinter Ortensia is among a huge field of 20 runners in the
Group 1 Nunthorpe at York on Friday. Ortensia blitzed the opposition in the
Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai back in March, and while she failed to find her
best form on her first couple of outings in Britain, she came good at Glorious
Goodwood last time in the Group 2 King George.
Bated Breath aims for an elusive first victory at Group 1 level following a
number of near-misses and connections will be keeping their fingers crossed the
current fast ground on the Knavesmire stays that way until later in the week.
Sole Power was a 100-1 winner of five-furlong Nunthorpe a couple of years ago
but has proved that to be no fluke on multiple occasions since and he would be
another deserved victor if he can get his head in front, with quick ground also
in his favor.
Seemingly the biggest threat to the established sprinters is the
up-and-coming Pearl Secret, the apple of trainer David Barron’s eye. The
three-year-old is unbeaten in four starts, has struck twice over this course and
distance, and is held in the highest regard by his astute handler.
Kingsgate Native makes his debut for Robert Cowell, who also saddles smart
sprinters Spirit Quartz and Monsieur Joe. Other contenders include Invincible
Ash, Dandy Boy and Tiddliwinks.
Richard Fahey has decided against running Group 1 July Cup winner Mayson
while Group 2 Queen Mary winner Ceiling Kitty failed to make the cut.
There’s also Group 2 action Friday in the shape of the Gimcrack — a
two-year-old race for colts and geldings. The six-furlong race has attracted the
winner of the Richmond, also a Group 2 race over this trip, Heavy Metal, and the
progressive Pearl Acclaim who chases a hat-trick.
The other Pattern race is the Group 3 Strensall, a 10-furlong race. Recent
Newmarket winner Tazahum will have his supporters, hailing from the powerful Sir
Michael Stoute yard.
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