York Ebor Meeting: third day

The Group One Nunthorpe Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.40 CET is today´s main feature at York and despite the late withdrawal of 2010 winner Sole Power and another Irish challenger Invincible Ash it is still a very strong field. Sole Power was taken out because of the soft ground, which could well cause problems for several runners. The only Irish runner now left in is Requinto (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), who is also the only 2yo and on receipt of lots of weight this speedy type is definitely one for the short list. The most interesting runner is the much-improved handicapper Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Kieren Fallon), owned by golfer Lee Westwood, whose winning performance in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood under top weight last time was spectacular. This is his attempt at a group race, but he is fact top-rated as a result of his Goodwood win, but the problem could be the distance, as he seems best at 6 furlongs. He seems certain to start a warm favourite and we think better value can be found with Prohibit
(Robert Cowell/ Jim Crowley) who has not been seen since winning the Kings Stand at Royal Ascot and is an absolute specialist for this trip.

The main supporting feature is the prestigious Gumctack Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 15.30, which looks very open. Lilbourne Lad (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) has just about the best form here and represents a team who is extremely successful in these juvenile events, but he has to give weight away, and we have slight preference for Justineo (William Haggas/ Jamie Spencer), who is moving up in grade after an easy win at Newmarket.

Haggas also has good prospects of taking the Group Three Strensall Stakes over 9 furlongs at 16.05, where he saddles two runners, Green Destiny (Fallon) and Penitent (Silvestre de Sousa). We prefer the latter who shoud be ideally suited by this distance, but Dux Scholar (Sir Michael Stoute/ Hughes) could be tough to beat here. Stoute can also win the opening handicap with The Fonz (Fallon), who won the race last year, while German-bred Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Tom Eaves), half-brother to German Derby Waldpark is another runner with chances in a very tricky event.

A race to watch, but not to bet on, is the 2yo maiden at 17.15, which is invariably won by a top performer. With newcomers from several top stables - O´Brien, Cecil, Hannon, Godolphin etc - this field is well up to standard and the winner will have to be smart.