Friday’s G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes has attracted a field of 14, with just one of the 15 overnight contenders, Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), dropping out of York’s third and final Group 1 contest of the week at Wednesday morning’s declaration stage. The straight five-furlong dash will act as an unofficial championship decider between Australian raider Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) and Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who are one apiece in sprint showdowns this year, with the former annexing Royal Ascot’s G1 King Charles III Stakes and the latter prevailing by a short-head in Goodwood’s G2 King George Stakes. They have drawn stalls eight and 14, respectively.
Eva Nieslanikova’s forward-running Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), the only other overseas challenger, has drawn stall one. Supporting cast member Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), who notched a victory in the Curragh’s G2 Sapphire Stakes in between her fourth at Ascot and third at Goodwood, is alongside Asfoora in stall 13. Ed Bethell trainee Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}), who split Asfoora and Big Evs when second at Royal Ascot, will depart from stall two, while last year’s hero Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) will bid to become this century’s fifth dual winner of the contest from stall five.
The post Friday’s Nunthorpe Attracts Field of 14, Asfoora and Big Evs to Lock Horns Again appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
