Top commentator Simon Holt is taking on Battaash with Mabs Cross in the feature Nunthorpe Stakes at York's Ebor Festival on Friday.
The fastest race of the Flat season is on the cards in Friday’s Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York where the strong-finishing MABS CROSS could prove the value bet.
While most attention will surround the brilliant Goodwood winner Battaash, who was beaten by the re-opposing Blue Point in the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, it should be remembered that he blew out badly when only fourth to Marsha in this race 12 months ago before subsequently turning the tables in fine style in the Prix De l’Abbaye.
Trainer Charles Hills says that his speed machine is a calmer horse now and should handle the preliminaries better but it is a small question mark.
With Blue Point a bit disappointing in the July Cup since Ascot, a chance is taken on the improving Mabs Cross who was beaten just under two lengths into third in the Kings Stand.
Michael Dods' filly, less than a length behind Battaash at Haydock in May, can pick up the pieces in the closing stages if the likes of Caspian Prince and triple course and distance winner Take Cover set their usual blistering early fractions. At double figure odds, she is worth a bit of each way.
With Stradivarius long odds-on and difficult to oppose in the Group Two Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, victory in which will grab the sponsor’s £1 million stayers’ series bonus, I am drawn towards MELTING DEW for a second selection in the opening Sky Bet Handicap.
To be honest, Sir Michael Stoute’s progressive four-year-old is an obvious selection dropping back in trip after being narrowly outstayed by Sir Chauvelin (the pair over four lengths clear of the third) at Goodwood (1m6f) last time.
Melting Dew’s previous Sandown victory over just a mile and a quarter was boosted by runner-up Alfarris (who won at Goodwood) and he looks well up to defying the handicapper.
Preview posted at 1710BST on 23/08/18.
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