Mares with good chances in the Nunthorpe Stakes

York, Friday 19 August: The sporting standard remains high on the third day of the Ebor Festival at York. The classic Nunthorpe Stakes (4th race/16.35/500,000 pounds/1006m) appeals to 15 sprinters.

Among them is last year`s winner Winter Power (David Allan), but she is only one of the outsiders after a lean seasonal record. The younger participants are favoured by the trade press. Royal Aclaim (Andrea Atzeni), undefeated in three starts so far, is just as likely to win as the two-year-old The Platinum Queen (Hollie Doyle), who recently gave a taste of her extraordinary ability at Goodwood. Highfield Princess (Jason Hart) was also successful in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (Group 1). Together with Flotus (Silvestre de Sousa) and Khaadem (Ryan Moore), who triumphed at Group 3 and 2 level respectively, she is one of the closest favourites. Clarendon House (Ray Dawson) and Emaraaty Ana (Kevin Stott) are no match for their recent performances and are in contention for the surprise.

In the Lonsdale Cup (2nd race/15.25/250,000 pounds/3270m) the `eternal duel` between Stradivarius (Andrea Atzeni) and Trueshan (Hollie Doyle) will be renewed. In the two-year-olds in the Gimcrack Stakes (3rd race/16.00/250,000 pounds/1200m), the success of Royal Scotsman (Jim Crowley) in the Richmond Stakes (Group 2) comes under scrutiny. The still unbeaten Marshman (Clifford Lee), Noble Style (William Buick) and Clearpoint (Oisin Orr) are in the running.