Two to back in Friday's feature
The penultimate day of action at the Ebor Festival is headlined by the Nunthorpe Stakes. This thrilling five-furlong sprint is one of the most looked-forward-to races on the British calendar and this year's renewal promises to be an absolute cracker.
Here's our free guide to the Nunthorpe Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2023 Nunthorpe Stakes Odds
2023 Nunthorpe Stakes Tip 1
16 sprinters will enter the stalls ahead of Friday's main event. Big Evs' presence certainly adds a little extra spice to the contest, but Mick Appleby's juvenile has the weight of history on his shoulders, as only two two-year-olds have managed to win this Group One since the mid-1950s.
The runners tend to converge down the center of the track in the Nunthorpe and all of the big guns have been handed central draws. Highfield Princess is a short price to retain the crown she won so impressively last year. At the prices, I'd rather side with her Royal Ascot conqueror, BRADSELL.
Both started well in the Kings' Stand Stakes and it was Hollie Doyle who made the first move, pushing Bradsell into the lead with two furlongs to travel. I was then expecting the stronger stayer to gain the upper hand in the closing stages, but Highfield Princess couldn't fight her way past Bradsell, who kept on gamely to hand Archie Watson his second British Group One.
That was Bradsell's first try at the minimum distance and the trip certainly seemed to suit. Watson's star scorched up the Knavesmire to his novice last season and I'm confident that this track will suit the strong-travelling Bradsell even more than Ascot seems to. 4/1 is an excellent price.
2023 Nunthorpe Stakes Tip 2
With as many as four paid places on offer, there's certainly value to be found in the each-way market for this year's Nunthorpe and the one that whets my appetite most is EQUALITY.
Having trounced his rivals in a handicap at Windsor, Charlie Hills' star clocked an excellent RPR of 117 when making all to score in the Coral Charge at Sandown. Equality was then backed into 13/2 behind Highfield Princess in the betting for the King George, but Ryan Moore's mount stumbled coming out of the gates and didn't seem to handle the camber of the track as he tried to work his way back into contention.
That run is easily forgiven and switching back to a flatter track will certainly suit. Given how short Equality was in the market for that Group Two at Goodwood, and the brilliance of his previous performance at Sandown, 33/1 seems generous.
