Nunthorpe Stakes tips & runner-by-runner guide to York 3.35

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

The Nunthorpe Stakes, a fast and furious dash over 5f, is the feature on day three of the Ebor Festival as 13 runners battle it out for the £302,690 winner’s prize and automatic entry to this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Winter Power heads into Friday’s 15:35 at York off the boil after a string of poor runs since scoring in this 12 months ago and is faced with challenges from older and younger rivals as she bids to defend her crown.

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Khadeem, the oldest horse in the field, attempts to bring up a hat-trick after landing the King George Qatar Stakes last time out while The Platinum Queen, who blitzed the clock at Glorious Goodwood, bids to become the first two-year-old filly winner since Lyric Fantasy in 1992. Flotus brings Commonwealth Cup form to the table after placing third in the Royal Ascot sprint, Highfield Princess heads here off the back of a maiden Group 1 success at Deauville, while rising star Royal Aclaim boasts an unbeaten record.

The Nunthorpe Stakes looks like a proper punting puzzle so to help you pick through the field we’ve gathered Timeform’s nifty runner-by-runner guide below. You’ll also find betting tips from the racing boffins.

YORK 15:35 RACECARD

Nunthorpe Stakes runners

Acklam Express

Trainer: Nigel Tinkler Jockey: Rowan Scott Age: 4 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 8

Excellent second in Group 2 at Meydan behind Lazuli in February and bounced back from a couple of lesser efforts when 4½ lengths third in King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. Not at that level when seventh at Goodwood and hasn’t won since 2-y-o days.

Ainsdale

Trainer: Julie Camacho Jockey: Non-Runner Age: 5 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 12

NON-RUNNER

Clarendon House

Trainer: Robert Cowell Jockey: Ray Dawson Age: 4 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 10

Progressive sprinter last year, winning 4 of his 6 starts. Made the most of a good opportunity to score at Beverley in June but fact he ran right up to form when sixth in Group 2 company at Goodwood highlights the task he faces.

Dragon Symbol

Trainer: Roger Varian Jockey: David Egan Age: 4 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 15

First past the post in the Commonwealth Cup last year, only to be demoted. Low-key start for Roger Varian but fitted with a hood, he was a cosy winner down in grade/trip at Hamilton. Task is to now build on that.

***

Emaraaty Ana

Trainer: Kevin Ryan Jockey: Kevin Stott Age: 6 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 11

Hit a real purple patch during the second half of last season, running a screamer when second in this race and followed that with Group 1 Sprint Cup success in September. Looks to be coming to the boil this season, too.

***

Khaadem

Trainer: Charles Hills Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 6 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 7

Looked a Group 1 sprinter early in his career and right back on track of late, dominant winner of the Palace House in April before following up in Group 2 King George Stakes. Huge player.

*****

Lazuli

Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Age: 5 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 3

Smart gelding who resumed winning ways in Group 2 at Meydan (5f) in February by 1½ lengths from Acklam Express. Failed to land any sort of blow in King’s Stand at the Royal Meeting on reappearance last month so needs to get back on track back down in grade.

Raasel

Trainer: Michael Appleby Jockey: Tom Marquand Age: 5 Weight: 10st 1lbs Draw: 9

Remarkable story having been purchased for 10,000 gns and missing entirety of 2020, winning 6 handicaps before raising game further in pattern company. Neck-second to Khaadem in the King George Stakes a career-best effort so he goes on the shortlist.

****

Ebro River

Trainer: Hugo Palmer Jockey: Non-Runner Age: 3 Weight: 9st 13lbs Draw: 1

NON-RUNNER

New York City

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Age: 3 Weight: 9st 13lbs Draw: 6

Maiden/listed winner in the spring but limitations exposed in better company and while he represents a top yard, he’s hard to fancy.

Highfield Princess

Trainer: John Quinn Jockey: Jason Hart Age: 5 Weight: 9st 12lbs Draw: 14

Really likeable mare who has graduated from ordinary races to the top table, reversing with the form with a couple from the Platinum Jubilee when making all at Deauville 12 days ago. Rare go at 5f but she possesses plenty of speed.

****

Winter Power

Trainer: Tim Easterby Jockey: David Allan Age: 4 Weight: 9st 12lbs Draw: 5

Fast 5f right up her street, as showcased when landing this race a year ago. Evidence of this season suggests she hasn’t really trained on.

***

Flotus

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa Age: 3 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 4

Different proposition since ridden more prominently, placed in a brace of Group 1 contests and didn’t need to improve on that form to land Group 3 Summer Stakes here (6f). Likely to give it a good go.

***

Royal Aclaim

Trainer: James Tate Jockey: Andrea Atzeni Age: 3 Weight: 9st 10lbs Draw: 2

Made a winning debut at Newcastle in 2021 (race that contained top-class Perfect Power) and barely came off the bridle to follow up 13 months on at Bath. Looked all over a Group-1 sprinter when an easy winner of listed race over C&D last month.

****

The Platinum Queen

Trainer: Richard Fahey Jockey: Hollie Doyle Age: 2 Weight: 8st 2lbs Draw: 13

Rapid juvenile, unbeaten aside from the Queen Mary (when hampered) with her latest win in minor company at Goodwood backed up by the clock. Receives huge weight allowance and she’s an interesting proposition.

***