Picture: Asfoora has been tipped tgo win the Nunthorpe
1 2:50 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
A progressive sort last season, SHADOW DANCE looked to be back on track when second at Ripon a month ago. The son of Almanzor is likely to be much better suited by going back left handed and he is narrowly preferred to the improving Wafei, and Mr Monaco, who should appreciate going up in trip after an emphatic success over 1m2f at Sandown last time out. A winner over C&D in July and consistent since, Lieber Power is another to note, along with Grey Cuban and Insanity.
Top Tip: Shadow Dance (3)
Watch out for: Mr Monaco (9)
2 3:25 PM – Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series)
Aidan O’Brien looks to have a prime candidate in POINT LONSDALE, who has long shaped as though he would relish this trip. A taking winner of the Ormonde at Chester in May and a promising third in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud since, the son of Australia looks primed for a big run. Vauban had the reopposing Gregory (third) behind when runner-up in the Yorkshire Cup here in May, and both are likely to be thereabouts once again. A comfortable winner of a Group 3 here last month, Alsakib continues to progress and may turn out to be the main danger to the selection.
Top Tip: Point Lonsdale (4)
Watch out for: Alsakib (2)
3 4:00 PM – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2)
Having been worn down late on at the Curragh and Goodwood on his latest starts, THE STRIKIN VIKING just about sets the standard on form, and returning to a track where he scored on debut in June is a big plus. Big Mojo arrives after a taking success in the Molecomb, but he must now prove himself over 6f. Andesite makes his long awaited return after scoring on debut over C&D in May. Runner-up to a subsequent Group 1 winner at the Curragh last month, Camille Pissarro should be thereabouts, along with the unbeaten Shadow Of Light.
Top Tip: The Strikin Viking (10)
Watch out for: Big Mojo (2)
4 4:35 PM – Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
Already established as two of the world’s fastest sprinters, ASFOORA and Big Evs are honours even from their Group-race clashes at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood and stand out as they as the gear up for round three of their personal battle. The margins will surely be tight if both run up to expectations but, armed with a 6lb turnaround after a short-head defeat in the King George Stakes, Asfoora shades the narrowest of votes over her arch enemy. Regional and Believing are no back numbers and can give the ‘big two’ a good run for the money. Whereas City Walls winner Starlust has only raced four times over the minimum distance and could be a surprise package. 2023 hero Live In The Dream appeals for a place this time.
Top Tip: Asfoora (9)
Watch out for: Big Evs (7)
5 5:10 PM – Assured Data Protection Ebf Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
POWER OF DESTINY had to sit and suffer when short of room during her clash with Al Anoud at Goodwood last month, but the manner in which she stayed on for a head second after extricating herself suggests the daughter of Sea The Stars can turn the form around if she enjoys a clear run this time. Dangers lurk from every angle in a field of this size, with the likes of Battle Queen, Reach and Sound Angela all suggested as potential improvers. Last-time-out winners Chorus and Invisible Friend also enter calculations in this competitive handicap.
Top Tip: Power Of Destiny (11)
Watch out for: Al Anoud (3)
6 5:45 PM – British Stallion Studs Ebf Convivial Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)
A very competitive contest sees a chance taken on ANGELO BUONARROTI, who made a pleasing start to his career when beaten just three lengths in the Coventry at Royal Ascot. Rashabar, the winner of that contest, has since run well in Group 1 company and Ralph Beckett’s charge could get off the mark at the second attempt as he’s dropped in class. High Season pulled well clear of the rest of the field when bumping into a progressive rival over 7 1/2f at Beverley last Wednesday and with scope for plenty of improvement, he rates as the biggest danger, while Shah is also in with a shout.
Top Tip: Angelo Buonarroti (1)
Watch out for: High Season (9)
7 6:20 PM – Sky Bet Mile Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Having not quite lasted home when collared late on over 1m2f at Goodwood earlier this month, MIDNIGHT GUN is likely to relish this drop in trip. Hamad Al Jehani’s charge was denied a hat-trick by just half a length on that occasion and a 3lb rise in the ratings doesn’t appear out of his reach. Golden Mind will have to defy top-weight to claim this prize but, having run well in the Vintage at Goodwood, he could be a Group horse in a handicap. Blue Prince warrants consideration despite being raised 4lb for his win over 7f at Goodwood last month.
Top Tip: Midnight Gun (4)
Watch out for: Golden Mind (1)
