Nunthorpe Stakes feature of York´ s final day

today is the fourth and final day of York´s Ebor Festival, with the Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One, 2yo and up, 5 furlongs, 16.25 CET) as the main feature. This is one of the few top races in which two-year-olds run against their elders, and they have a good record here, with Kingsgate Native the last 2yo to triumph in 2007. Now trained by Sir Michael Stoute he is in the field again with Kieren Fallon, currently riding in top form, in the saddle. Another previous winner in the line-up is Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Neil Callan), who has won it for the past two years. He pulled up lame after winning at Glorious Goodwood last time but is surprisingly back in form and it is not impossible that he can land the hat-trick over his favourite CD.
However the three to beat in our opinion and Starspangledbanner (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), and Equiano (Barry and Michael Hills), first and second in the July Cup last time, and the mare Fleeting Spirit (Jeremy Noseda/ Frankie Dettori), whose chances would improve if any rain were to fall (as is forecast). Starspangledbanner can be regarded as the best sprinter in Europe after his last two wins at Ascot and Newmarket, but he only beat Equiano a neck last time, and today´s trip arguably favours the Hills horse.
The two 2yo´s in the field Dinkum Diamond (Henry Candy/ Frankie McDonald) and especially Stone of Folca (Jim Best/ Jimmy Quinn) must also be considered; the latter is still a maiden but has shown tremendous speed on all his races, and of course they receive lumps of weight from the older runners.
This is yet another top race, but we are hoping for some rain (the going this morning was good to firm) and make Fleeting Spirit our selection.