The third day of York’s Ebor Festival is headlined by S3-4, the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes over 1,000 metres. A field of 18 brings together emerging two-year-olds, speedy three-year-olds and established older sprinters, with the substantial differences in weight adding another fascinating dimension to the contest. According to Hong Kong Jockey Club race information, the older male runners carry 141lb, three-year-old colt BACIO is allotted 139lb, while two-year-old filly PERSHAADA receives a huge concession on just 114lb.
American-trained BACIO has shown exceptional early speed this season, particularly at Royal Ascot, and the flat 1,000-metre straight at York should play to his strengths. He remains one of the leading contenders. France is represented by RAYEVKA, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona. She was beaten only a head in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes on her latest start and her top-level ability is beyond doubt.
Australian sprinter ASFOORA returns in an attempt to defend her crown. Drawn in stall three and partnered by Oisin Murphy, she cannot be ignored despite a quieter season. At the other end of the age spectrum, PERSHAADA carries only 114lb and the enormous weight allowance makes the Richard Hannon-trained juvenile a potentially dangerous outsider.
Elsewhere on the card, top-weight CABALLO DE MAR is worth noting as he drops back into Group 2 company for S3-2, the Lonsdale Cup. S3-3, the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes, features unbeaten ARAPAHO GOLD against MARCO POLO, who is taken over by Ryan Moore after producing a powerful late finish to place on his latest start.
In the finale, S3-7, LADY DORA MAE also deserves attention. She has finished runner-up in four of her five starts and is partnered by Ryan Moore for the first time. Nevertheless, the main theme of the evening remains the Nunthorpe Stakes, where raw speed, proven class and major weight concessions combine to create a fascinating battle for sprinting supremacy at York.
