Tag Archive for: Nunthorpe Stakes

Dwyer fears Asfoora may now be ‘on the way down’

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Henry Dwyer questioned whether his star sprinter Asfoora is past her peak after finishing fourth in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

The Australian star has been a hit since making her journey from Down Under, claiming the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot before narrowly going down to Big Evs at Goodwood earlier this month.

The Group One contest on the Knavesmire was billed as round three between the six-year-old mare and Mick Appleby’s charge, but it did not live up to expectations, as Asfoora finished fourth and Big Evs came home eighth.

Bradsell powered to victory in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes
Bradsell powered to victory in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Mike Egerton/PA)

The daughter of Flying Artie was slated for a tilt at the Flying Five at the Curragh next month before completing her globe-trotting adventure at the Breeders’ Cup later this autumn.

However, Dwyer admitted he will consider all options, including returning home, after his stable star crossed the line a length and quarter behind winner Bradsell.

Dwyer said: “Oisin (Murphy) made mention of the fact that obviously the track is suitable firmness-wise, but after three days of racing, it’s quite chopped out and he just didn’t feel like he could get traction.

“Look, he might be looking for excuses and we might be looking for excuses, but that’s what he was hanging his hat on, to an extent.

“I’d have to watch a replay, but it just looked like Ponntos quickened away from them early and Bradsell sort of tracked him and we couldn’t quite go – and I didn’t like her last 50 (yards). She was there to run second or at least third and she just looked a little bit plain.

“We never make decisions on raceday and it’s hard to sort of arrest things unless you’ve got a genuine excuse, and we won’t know if there is a genuine excuse until the next couple of days.

“We’ll have a think about things and see what we do going forward. Whether she’s reached her peak and is on the way down, or whether she didn’t like the track, I’m not sure.

“I wouldn’t be thinking we’ll be going to the Breeders’ Cup, I’d be thinking if there was an option, we might go to Ireland for the Flying Five, but if anything comes out of the run and we’re not happy with her, she’ll be going home for sure.”

George Boughey said he was “delighted” with Believing after his charge produced another barnstorming run in second.

The Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned filly has continued to impress at the highest level this season and was three-quarters of a length behind Bradsell, producing a strong finish to claim the runner-up spot on the Knavesmire.

The daughter of Mehmas showcased her gutsy character with two Group One fourth-placed finishes inside four days in the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

She got her nose in front at the Curragh in the Group Two Sapphire Stakes before stepping up in grade once more for minor honours in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood earlier this month.

There is no sign of an imminent rest for Believing, as Boughey targets the Flying Five next month for his four-year-old.

“I’m just delighted,” Boughey said. “As I said before, she was probably on the wrong side (of the draw), credit to Archie’s horse, very fast horse.

“I think the form upheld from last year. She just gets a bit outpaced at that crucial point and nothing really took her into the race properly.

“Lovely ride from Ryan (Moore, jockey), she was getting there with each stride. She will head to the Flying Five (at the Curragh), that’s been the plan for a long time and very proud.

“She’s dancing every dance. Hopefully she pops up at some point, but credit to Archie and their team, Sheikh Nasser and Fawzi (Nass) and everyone there. They have a very good horse.”

Ralph Beckett believes course knowledge was key to Starlust clinching third place in the five-furlong contest.

Trainer Ralph Beckett in the parade ring at York racecourse
Ralph Beckett was delighted with Starlust’s performance at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

The three-year-old had three previous career starts at York in his short career, finishing second on his sole outing here as a juvenile.

He won a competitive handicap in May before landing the Listed City Walls Stakes two months later.

Beckett has already lined up another trip to the Yorkshire track for the son of Zoustar.

“Thrilled with him, terrific effort,” the Kipton Downs handler said of his charge.

“He’s a big horse, he’s gonna get bigger and stronger as he gets older, so one to look forward to.

“He’s climbed the ranks, he’s ever consistent, loves it here. That’s a significant factor and hopefully we will be back here this time next year.”



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Bradsell and Hollie Doyle just brilliant in Nunthorpe victory

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Bradsell ran out a brilliant winner of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Third 12 months ago off the back of winning the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, Archie Watson’s colt has endured an interrupted campaign this season, not making his reappearance until earlier this month.

However, having proved his considerable sprinting ability remains very much intact with an impressive comeback victory in a Listed event at Deauville, the son of Tasleet was well-backed at 3-1 for his return to Group One level and proved much the best in the hands of Hollie Doyle.

After getting a perfect lead into the race on the far side of the track by the rapid Czech raider Ponntos, Bradsell took over travelling strongly racing inside the two-furlong marker, with Doyle taking a look across the course to see how her rivals were faring.

She will certainly have liked what she saw, as it was quickly obvious Bradsell was in full control and he was good value for the winning margin of three-quarters of a length.

The consistent Believing finished with gusto closest to the stands rail to fill the runner-up spot, with Starlust and the Australian 6-4 favourite Asfoora close up in third and fourth respectively.

“We were getting him ready for Dubai in the spring and he fractured a fetlock in February and it’s been an amazing route back for him,” said Watson.

“I’m not one for sectionals, but I was told he did the fastest closing final two furlongs in the race last year. This year thankfully we were drawn with the Czech horse who goes off quick.

“When Regional and Live In The Dream came out I couldn’t decide if I wanted them in as pace angles or out as very good horses. Luckily Ponntos was always going to go what he did, but Hollie was even taking Bradsell back off him he was going so well today.

“I thought when the injury happened it would be a question of saving him for a stallion job next year, but at every stage he passed with flying colours. I know the vets like to stay behind the scenes, but they really have done a phenomenal job with this horse.”

Hollie Doyle celebrates Nunthorpe victory with Bradsell
Hollie Doyle celebrates Nunthorpe victory with Bradsell (Mike Egerton/PA)

He went on: “We still can’t believe a horse like this was buyable for £50,000. That is expensive for us and I know people see us as a big yard but we have very few six-figure horses and for us to compete at this sort of level by buying horses at a lower level, it means a lot.

“He won the Coventry and he’s a King’s Stand winner. Now he’s a Nunthorpe winner and I hope he can keep doing more.”

On his relationship with Doyle, Watson added: “It means so much more when it is the two of us having the winners together because we grew together.

“She was just out of her claim when she came to me from Richard Hannon and all of our Group One winners have been together. She is a massive part of the team, we work well together and long may it continue.”



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Asfoora and Big Evs face off again in Nunthorpe

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Round three of the Asfoora and Big Evs sprinting rivalry will take place at York on Friday, with both Henry Dwyer’s Australian ace and Mick Appleby’s Breeders’ Cup hero declared for the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.

The Antipodean raider took the scalp of Big Evs when sprinting her way to Royal Ascot glory in the King Charles III Stakes earlier in the summer, but Appleby’s son of Blue Point quickly gained revenge at Goodwood when shading a thrilling conclusion to the King George Qatar Stakes.

Goodwood third Believing is also amongst the 14 declared for the five-furlong Group One, with Adam West’s defending champion Live In The Dream and last year’s third, the Archie Watson-trained Bradsell, also in the mix, with the latter excelling on his comeback at Deauville.

Course-and-distance winners Regional (Ed Bethell) and Starlust (Ralph Beckett) add further spice to the contest, as does Czech speedball Ponntos who is sure to be leading the field along at a rate of knots.

Molecomb winner Big Mojo could make it a day to remember for Appleby as he steps up to six furlongs in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.

Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby is represented by the unbeaten Shadow Of Light, with the handler seeking a second win in three years in the Group Two contest.

Hamad Al Jehani’s The Strikin Viking has gone close at this level twice since winning at the Knavesmire on debut, while Karl Burke’s Andesite also brings smart course form to the table.

The Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup is another highlight on the card and has attracted a field of nine, including Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale, Vauban for Willie Mullins and previous winner Quickthorn (Hughie Morrison).



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Asfoora’s faithful groom dreaming of more UK glory

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It has been the summer of a lifetime for Chenelle Ellis, the lucky member of Henry Dwyer’s staff chosen to accompany her “best friend” Asfoora on her European adventure.

The Australian ace and her engaging connections have captured the hearts of the racing public with their desire to enjoy every step of their star mare’s journey to the other side of the globe.

Joyous scenes following Royal Ascot glory in the King Charles III Stakes were followed by sporting drinks in defeat following a titanic battle with Big Evs in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood.

Right by her side from the very first moment tAsfoora touched down in the UK has been Ellis, her ever-loyal groom, who has escaped the Australian winter to revel in her pride and joy’s overseas triumphs and tribulations.

Asfoora being led in by Ellis after winning at Royal Ascot
Asfoora being led in by Ellis after winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“It’s been absolutely amazing since we’ve brought her over here, she’s been unreal and I’m so happy and proud of her,” said Ellis.

“When Henry asked me to come over it was a no-brainer to say yes. If I wasn’t here I would be spending the winter in Ballarat in the freezing cold and wet – I would much rather be here.

“The summer here has been good, and it just makes it so much better when you have a horse who has been competitive in these great races.

“I love being here and love doing her in the morning, I come in and get to spend four or five hours with her and she’s like my best friend at the moment – we’re stuck with each other.”

She went on: “I get paid to do this and to think I grew up with ponies and looked after ponies and you had to pay to do that.

“To be over here with a horse like her has just been unreal. I’m so grateful to Henry and the owner for entrusting me with her.”

After the agonising near miss of Goodwood, Asfoora’s rematch with Big Evs at York in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes could unlock further international travel for Ellis and her equine accomplice later in the year – with both seemingly keen to extend their time away from home as long as possible.

The Curragh’s Flying Five Stakes, the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp and a mouthwatering swansong at the Breeders’ Cup have all been mooted as possibilities for the Southern Hemisphere speedster, but Ellis is keen to see Asfoora return to winning ways at York before dreaming of more stamps in her passport.

Asfoora having a pick of grass with Ellis in Newmarket
Asfoora having a pick of grass with Ellis in Newmarket (Adam Morgan/PA)

“I’m looking forward to York,” said Ellis. “We’re very happy and she’s in a very good spot going into York.

“I’m not too sure where she’ll go after York, but she could go to Ireland then back to Australia or to France and then to America.

“Either way, it would be an amazing trip. To go to Ireland would be unreal and to go to France and the US would be exactly the same.

“Whichever way she goes, I’m so grateful for her. It’s been the trip of a lifetime and you can’t turn your nose up at any of it.”

Asfoora has been based at Amy Murphy’s Southgate Stables in Newmarket since arriving in the UK and far from being the temporary tenants from overseas, both the star mare and Ellis becoming part of the furniture at the Hamilton Road setup.

It was Murphy who took care of Asfoora in the aftermath of her Royal Ascot triumph so Ellis could join the rest of the victorious connections on the winners podium, while she has been able to call on the expert assistance of Murphy’s husband and former jockey Lemos De Sousa to help put Afsoora through her paces on the Newmarket gallops on occasion.

“We’ve been very lucky to be stabled with Amy Murphy and her husband Lemos has helped and done a few gallops with her and we’ve also had Oisin in,” Ellis explained.

“I’ve done the majority of the work with her, but I’ve had some help along the way which makes a difference and we’re very grateful.”

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day One – Ascot Racecourse
King Charles III congratulating Chenelle Ellis after Asfoora’s victory (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Reflecting on that day at Ascot, where Asfoora added her name to the ever-growing list of Antipodean raiders to taste success at the Royal meeting, it is clear Ellis made memories to last a lifetime.

However, meeting royalty and leading in a Group One winner on the big stage would not be possible without the willing mare that is so often by her side.

“To go to Ascot – the experience, the atmosphere, it was just unreal,” added Ellis.

“A lot of people have asked me what the highlight of the day was, but it just has to be her winning. We wouldn’t have had the day we had if she hadn’t won.

“Just to be there was amazing, to see the King and Queen was amazing but for her to come out and win the way that she did, she was so dominant. The whole day was great.”



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Big Evs and Asfoora ready to renew rivalry in Nunthorpe

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Big Evs and Asfoora are set for round three of their summer battle after both featured among 15 confirmations for Friday’s Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Mick Appleby’s stable star narrowly came out on top in their latest head-to-head in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood earlier this month, as Big Evs held on by a short head from the fast-finishing Australian raider.

That result levelled the scores between the pair after Henry Dwyer’s mare had taken the first instalment with another impressive turn of foot to secure a one-length victory in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Appleby’s colt a further half-length back in third.

Appleby said of his charge: “He’s in good form. He’s all ready for the Nunthorpe.

“It’s going to be another tough race for us, but he can do his running. Hopefully the rain stays away from the course.

Asfoora wins the 2024 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot
Asfoora won the first instalment of her battle with Big Evs at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“It would be an amazing race to win, all Yorkshire trainers want to win the Nunthorpe. It would be a good achievement and I know Paul (Teasdale, owner) has been pretty keen to win the Nunthorpe for years. He lives near York, so it would mean a lot for him to win.”

The Rutland-based handler confirmed regular jockey Tom Marquand will again be in the saddle for the Group One on the Knavesmire.

There is no shortage of quality elsewhere, starting with Adam West’s Live In The Dream, who is aiming to successfully defend his crown from 12 months ago.

The Archie Watson-trained Bradsell, who came third in last year’s renewal, will be buoyed by his recent triumph in a French Listed race at Deauville under Hollie Doyle.

Regional split Big Evs and Asfoora at Ascot in June and will be aiming to go one better for North Yorkshire-based Ed Bethell this time around. He came fifth in this race in 2023.

Live In The Dream wins the 2023 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes
Live In The Dream won the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes last year (Simon Marper/PA)

Believing was only three-quarters of a length behind the leading pair at Goodwood for the in-form George Boughey and could take them on again.

Abernant Stakes winner Washington Heights represents Kevin Ryan, Ralph Beckett’s Starlust is targeting a third straight success on the Knavesmire this term and Ed Walker has regular Group runner Makarova.

Clarendon House could go for Robert Cowell, Michael Dods has lined up Azure Blue and William Knight may run Frost At Dawn

Czech raider Ponntos will start for Miroslav Nieslanik, Vadream continues at this level for Charlie Fellowes and Irish trainer Kate McGivern tests So Majestic in Group One territory for the first time.



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Washington aiming to hit Nunthorpe Heights

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Washington Heights will drop back to five furlongs and attempt to scale the summit of the sprinting ranks in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York later this summer.

A consistent performer in handicap company last season before striking at Listed level in Sweden, he has taken his form to the next level this term.

He made a winning return in Newmarket’s Abernant Stakes before producing a commendable effort in defeat at York, while he was travelling menacingly in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before stamina limitations kicked in close home.

Connections have now opted to revert to the minimum distance with the Kevin Ryan-trained speedster – a decision that was made even easier due to the impressive nature of stablemate Inisherin’s victory over six furlongs in the Commonwealth Cup.

He will now be freshened up for the Ebor meeting, where he will compete at the highest level once again in the Knavesmire’s sprint feature.

“He’s just showing increasing speed now and he showed us that in the Duke of York,” said Cosmo Charlton, racing manager for owners Hambleton Racing.

“We always thought he might end up being a five-furlong horse and it did concern us that stiff six furlongs at Ascot. We decided to hold onto him a bit at Ascot and maybe he was a touch keen with doing that as well, he just ran out of gas.

Washington Heights (left) in action at York earlier this year
Washington Heights (left) in action at York earlier this year (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Tom (Eaves, jockey) got off and said he thought he had won it two furlongs out and it was just a case of if he got home, but he has not got home. He got off and said back to five, so it’s straight to the Nunthorpe.

“He’s ran three times at York and been narrowly beaten each time, so I would be hopeful he bounces back in that race.

“Kevin was delighted with him before Ascot and now the master sprint trainer has another good one (Inisherin), it almost makes perfect sense to go back to five furlongs and is a beautiful outcome – he will be favourite for the July Cup I would imagine.”



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‘Spicy’ challenge awaits defending champion Princess

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Defending champion Highfield Princess faces a stern examination as she attempts to join the list of repeat Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes winners at York on Friday.

John Quinn’s stable star appears to be peaking at the right moment as she bids to replicate the brilliant performance she produced on the Knavesmire 12 months ago.

That victory came in the middle of a fantastic late-summer Group One hat-trick as she shot to the summit of the sprinting top-flight and having notched up a welcome first success of the campaign at Goodwood earlier this month, the Highfield Princess team are now ready to play their part in what is a fascinating renewal stacked with talent.

Highfield Princess claimed the title in last year's Nunthorpe
Highfield Princess claimed the title in last year’s Nunthorpe (Mike Egerton/PA)

Quinn said: “We’re happy with her, it’s lovely ground and we’re drawn six of 16, which is fine.

“It’s a spicy race. I think the horse that beat her at Ascot (Bradsell) commands plenty of respect, as does the two-year-old (Big Evs) and there’s a couple of other horses there who, if they bounce back to their best, would have a chance.”

Highfield Princess will have to turn the tables with Royal Ascot conquerors Bradsell and Khaadem, who had her measure in the King’s Stand and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes respectively, to prove victorious.

When asked if he felt she will need to be better than she was 12 months ago to successfully defend her crown, Quinn added: “She might do. We’re taking on a two-year-old and a three-year-old, both Royal Ascot winners.

“When a three-year-old wins a King’s Stand you have to sit up and take notice and the two-year-old is a Royal Ascot winner and a Goodwood winner and looks really tough, hardy and mature, so they are two and something else could pop up who at their best could be in the mix.

“Goodwood was very good, so we’re hopeful anyway. She’s done so much and people expect plenty from her, but she seems in good nick and she loves this place, which is all you can ask.”

Bradsell beat Highfield Princess at Royal Ascot
Bradsell beat Highfield Princess at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

Archie Watson’s Bradsell has not been seen since downing Highfield Princess in the King’s Stand in June, but having proven he has the speed to be a force at the minimum distance, big-race pilot Hollie Doyle is hopeful of recording her first victory in the race following her second aboard The Platinum Queen 12 months ago.

She said ahead of the Qipco British Champions Series event: “Bradsell is a really good horse and has the heart of a lion. I thought it was a great performance back down to five furlongs in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. He beat a real sprinting star in Highfield Princess, and the pair of us were clear.

“We thought he might not have as much early speed as the Australian sprinters, but he showed more speed than ever before and really thrived down in trip. He’s our flagbearer at Archie’s and it’s great to be going to the Nunthorpe with a live chance again.”

Frankie Dettori will partner King’s Stand fourth Twilight Calls in his final Nunthorpe as Henry Candy’s five-year-old attempts to follow in the footsteps of his grandsire Kyllachy by winning this contest, while out of luck in that Ascot contest was Dramatised, who finished down the field.

Dramatised has not run since disappointing at Royal Ascot
Dramatised has not run since disappointing at Royal Ascot (Tim Goode/PA)

Connections felt the draw and conditions were completely against Karl Burke’s filly on that occasion and having dazzled at home in the interim, are excited to see where she places in the sprinting pecking order.

“It was a non-event at Ascot, we thought we were drawn on the wrong side,” said Joe Foley, racing manager for owners Clipper Logistics.

“Danny (Tudhope) came in and said he looked up two furlongs out and they were a long, long way behind. She was just on the wrong side and also the ground was quite dead on the first day of Ascot and she needs fast ground, hence we missed the King George at Goodwood.

“We’ve had a bit of a frustrating summer waiting for fast ground for her, but it looks like we’re going to get it Friday. She has been working very, very well, so it’ll be interesting to see where she stands with the proper Group One sprinters now that she is a mature three-year-old and is getting her ground.

“It will be interesting to watch and we’re looking forward to seeing her run.”

Big Evs (centre) is the only juvenile contender at York
Big Evs (centre) is the only juvenile contender at York (Andrew Matthews/PA)

It cost £40,000 to supplement Big Evs into the line-up and now the Royal Ascot and Qatar Goodwood Festival scorer will not only try to hand trainer Mick Appleby a first Group One triumph, but become the first two-year-old winner since Kingsgate Native in 2007.

“It’s good to be going to the Nunthorpe with a horse with a live chance and hopefully he will run well,” said the handler.

“He’s come out of Goodwood really well and we’ve got a good draw as well between two of the favourites. All being well he will run a big race.

“He will be one of my best, he will be up there with all the good ones I’ve had – Danzeno, Caspian Prince and I’m not sure of a better two-year-old we’ve had.

“It would mean a lot to have a Group One winner. It’s what every trainer tries to get and not a lot of trainers ever actually do get one. So it would be nice if we could win one. Hopefully he runs really well and comes back safe and sound.”

Another handler who could enjoy their finest hour is Ed Bethell who gives his course-and-distance winner Regional a first taste of Group One action in search of a hat-trick.

Bethell said: “I’m really happy with him. I would have loved to have got a run into him, but the ground went against him and he wants fast ground. Hopefully it looks like he will get that this week.

“I’ve been really happy with in the interim period, we know he goes really well fresh and I’m looking forward to a big run.

“He’s got a good draw right in the middle which means we can go whichever way we want. We’re drawn next to Highfield Princess and Big Evs and near Bradsell, while Live In The Dream is not far away, so there is a lot of speed in and around us which can only benefit us.

“We’re really looking forward to it and it’s exciting.”

Khaadem was a shock Royal Ascot winner
Khaadem was a shock Royal Ascot winner (John Walton/PA)

Charlie Hills knows all about Nunthorpe success having saddled the imperious Battaash to do the double in 2019 and 2020 and he now launches a two-pronged assault on the five-furlong shootout with shock Jubilee Stakes hero Khaadem and stablemate Equality.

“Khaadem is a horse that’s got form over five furlongs and was fourth in this last season,” said Hills.

“He’s been in very good form this year and if he can reproduce that he should be going close as well.”

He added: “Equality was just drawn a little bit out of it at Goodwood I thought, and he struck into himself as well.

“It’s going to be competitive, but if he runs like he did at Sandown, he’ll have a good chance of being close.”



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Ascot hero Bradsell ready for Nunthorpe challenge

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Bradsell is primed for a York rematch with Highfield Princess in the Group One Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday week.

The pair, trained by Archie Watson and John Quinn respectively, filled the first two places in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Bradsell edging the victory by a length in a tight finish to the five-furlong heat.

Bradsell was trying the minimum trip for the first time that day after connections decided to supplement the three-year-old and following the colt’s maiden Group One victory, Watson is certain the fast five furlongs at York will present no issues.

He said: “I don’t see a sharper five furlongs being a problem.

“He travels so well that nothing can really take him far enough into his races. Over the quick five furlongs at York he should get a nice tow deep into the race.”

While Highfield Princess went on to finish third in the six-furlong Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the Royal meeting and subsequently registered an impressive win in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, Watson has kept Bradsell in reserve for his Knavesmire date.

“I would say it’s (his absence) a reflection of the options over five furlongs,” said the trainer.

“He won his Group One at Ascot, so I didn’t feel the need to go to the Group Two at Goodwood, and I wasn’t going to step him back up to six furlongs in between either.

“I have been delighted with him since Ascot. He cantered away in his routine for six weeks and then has been galloping well through August into this race.”

Bradsell won at the first time of asking on good to soft ground at York last May and while he has stuck to sound surfaces since, Watson would not be perturbed should conditions be on the easy side.

He added: “He has obviously got very good form on good and good to firm ground.

“We haven’t deliberately avoided cut in the ground. His maiden win was on good to soft but until we run on proper soft ground we won’t know.

“I never get overly concerned about it until you know that a horse doesn’t handle a certain type of ground. If it rains, it rains.”

Aside from his sprint star, Watson also has Newbury Listed winner Action Point in contention for the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes, while Ambushed features in the Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes.

Of Action Point, Watson said: “The flat, quick six furlongs at York should suit him well and I’m looking forward to seeing him up in class as he was impressive last time and is a horse we have always thought a lot of.

“Ambushed won his maiden at Newcastle from a horse of Adrian Keatley’s who was subsequently second in the Richmond Stakes (Ballymount Boy).

“He has plenty of ability and I hope he can run a good race, if the draw and pace set-up are kind. You need plenty of luck in the big-field sales races.”



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Nunthorpe date Calls for Twilight

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Twilight Calls is poised to add his name to what is shaping up to be a red-hot renewal of York’s Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes later this month.

Henry Candy’s five-year-old has yet to strike at Group level, but has more than held his own when tackling some top-quality sprinting assignments in the past two seasons.

Runner-up in the King’s Stand Stakes in 2022, a return to Royal Ascot unleashed the best version of Twilight Calls, where he could arguably have finished closer than his three-and-a-quarter-length fourth if enjoying more luck in running.

Having missed the King George Stakes at Goodwood on account of the testing conditions at the Sussex venue, Twilight Calls will now throw his hat into the ring for the Knavesmire Group One on August 25, which is attracting some of the best speedsters around and a race Candy won with the gelding’s grandsire Kyllachy in 2002.

“The ground wasn’t right at Goodwood for him, so it will be York and then we would consider Ireland for the five-furlong Flying Five,” said Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud.

“We know he has the ability, he just needs everything to fall right. Royal Ascot was painful to watch and Ryan Moore got off and said he ran into trouble and he is a horse that just needs a bit of luck to go his way, and as often is the case, it doesn’t.

“He’s given us a lot of fun and is helping us promote the sire Twilight Son and so York is the plan.”



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Nunthorpe an ‘obvious’ opportunity for Azure Blue

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Michael Dods says the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes is the “obvious race” for Azure Blue and it is “all systems go” for a York showdown with reigning champion Highfield Princess.

The four-year-old started her season by winning Newmarket’s Ellen Chaloner Stakes before heading to the Knavesmire where her match-fitness enabled her to account for John Quinn’s stable star in the Group Two 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes.

She was too keen in the early stages when a below-par sixth in the July Cup next time, but Darlington-based Dods is keen to head back to the Knavesmire for what is sure to be a hot contest and a rematch with what he is expecting to be a much better version of Highfield Princess.

“At the moment we’re thinking of going to York and the Nunthorpe,” said Dods.

“We’re pulling her back a furlong and it will be very competitive if the two-year-olds come in and also Highfield Princess was so impressive at Goodwood.

“We had had a run and Highfield had not when we met before and she’s obviously come on a lot from then.

“But it is the obvious race and at the moment the plan is to go there.”

Mecca's Angel winning the Nunthorpe at York in 2016
Mecca’s Angel winning the Nunthorpe at York in 2016 (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

Mecca’s Angel famously went back-to-back for Dods in 2015 and 2016, while the handler has also seen Mabs Cross rattle the crossbar in the five-furlong dash in 2018 and another of his mares, Que Amoro, pick up a silver medal behind Battaash in 2020.

However, Azure Blue will be running over the minimum five furlongs for the first time in her 15-race career when she bids to add her name to the roll of honour.

“We’re travelling into the unknown,” added Dods.

“They will go a hard gallop and hopefully she will be fine. We’re into the unknown a bit, but it’s worth a try.

“We’re looking forward to it and at the minute it is all systems go.”



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Manaccan misses out on Nunthorpe run

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A trip to the Breeders’ Cup could be on the cards for Manaccan, despite missing the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York after a setback.

John Ryan’s crack sprinter has been a real flag-bearer for the Newmarket yard and won four times last season.

A four-year-old son of Exceed And Excel, he signed off his previous campaign with victory in a Group Three on Dundalk’s all-weather surface and opened the new campaign with a narrow defeat under a penalty when placed behind Vadream in the Palace House at Newmarket in May.

However, he was a late withdrawal from the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and plans to go up in class at York have also been shelved.

Ryan explained: “I’m going to leave him out of the Nunthorpe. He had a bit of a hiccup in training and it has meant me giving him a few weeks’ rest.

“Basically I’m not going to get the time, or by the looks of things, the ground that I want.”

He added: “Good, good to firm is his ideal ground. I know he has run on soft ground, but that’s not his thing. He is a lot better on good, good to firm ground, and that is not what it is going to be by then, the way we are going.”

Manaccan won three of his last four runs last season, including twice in Listed company, and Ryan is setting sights higher for the Newsells Park Stud-owned colt this term.

One target could include the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita in November.

Ryan said: “He would be rated high enough for a Breeders’ Cup and there are not too many horses of his calibre in the world, and it would be a thought in our mind.

“But at this point in time, we have to only think about what is around the corner, but unfortunately what is round the corner is only a few weeks away. He’s going to be a week short of where I want him to be.

“We’ll make another plan, simple as that. I’m not rushing him back. It is not life-threatening, not a long-term issue, but it just means he is not into full work at the moment.

“It has been a tough decision to make, but it is the right decision to make and it is better to make it now and let everybody know.

“The ante-post stuff means a lot to people now and, having had a discussion with the owners, the right thing to do is not to go to York. Why rush him when there will be other things to go for?

“It is just annoying, because it is a Group One, but it’s not going to fit, so the time to pull it is now.

“He’s all right and will be back to fight another day.”



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Nunthorpe bid on the radar for Nymphadora

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Nymphadora could have another opportunity to create some York magic with the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes in her sights following her impressive success in the City Walls Stakes.

Trained by Andrew Balding, the four-year-old showcased her love for the Knavesmire as a juvenile when winning the Marygate and although unsuccessful in the Lowther Stakes later that year, she made a winning return to the course on Saturday when casting a spell on her rivals to scoop Listed honours.

The daughter of No Nay Never looks to have earned herself a shot at a major sprinting prize later in the season and a return to York for the Nunthorpe on August 25 appears the obvious spot if conditions are suitable, with the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp (October 1) also on the radar considering Nymphadora’s love of soft ground.

“She definitely enjoys getting her toe in and loves York,” said Richard Brown, racing manager for owners St Albans Bloodstock Limited.

“She’s a multiple stakes winner and I love the way she can get to the front. In a Group One she is not going to get an easy lead but she has a lot of pace, she can get to the front and sustain, and we know she handles soft ground.

“I have not spoken to Andrew yet because we wanted to enjoy the victory, but I suppose, in my mind, I would have one eye on the Nunthorpe because she loves the track and five furlongs.

“She won the Marygate there and when she won there on Saturday she showed a lot of speed and she won pretty well in the end – she’s a quick filly. I would say we will definitely have one eye on it at least.”

Brown went on: “I think cut in the ground is important to her, so an Abbaye might also come into the thinking.

“We are going to have a crack at something and the great thing with a filly is even if she was fourth in one of those races, you can catalogue it and it’s an important thing to get on the page.”

Saturday’s City Walls triumph for Nymphadora was her second win from her four starts this term and the victory was one half of a fine weekend for owner Andrew Stone of St Albans Bloodstock, who also owns a share of Henry Candy’s Araminta who claimed the Group Three Prix Chloe at Chantilly.

Brown added: “It was a great weekend because Andrew also has a share in the filly that won the Group Three in France on Sunday. So he had two stakes winners in one weekend and he’s a very happy man at the moment.

“I’m delighted for him because he puts a lot in and it’s fantastic to see him getting these results.”



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