Nunthorpe Stakes - Winner

Next week sees the start of one of the last big festivals of the season, The Ebor meeting at York, and there are plenty of races where ante-post punters can still find an angle or two. The main one, however, comes in the shape of the Nunthorpe based on the theory it's fairly easy to strike a line through several big names towards the forefront of the betting. 

Nunthorpe Stakes 2022 Ante-Post Preview

Royal Aclaim is the current market leader following her impressive win over the C&D last month and while she probably still has plenty more to offer, whether she deserves to be quite so short on account of beating exposed sorts such as Mondammej, Korker and Justanotherbottle is a moot point. 

At least with James Tate's filly you know you are on a definite runner barring accidents, whereas the same can't be said for the likes of Dramatised, Little Big Bear, Highfield Princess and Persian Force who are all heading in different directions according to their respective connections. 

With regard to the former, it's a real shame Karl Burke's filly doesn't come here to have a crack at the older horses because with the weight-for-age allowance, she would be almost impossible to beat even allowing for her inexperience at the very highest level.

Looking at all the best five-furlong Group form so far this season, Twilight Calls has to come into the equation on account of his fine runner-up spot in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and having not raced since, one has to assume that connections have been keen to keep him fresh for this Group 1 affair. A real lover of fast ground, Henry Candy's gelding rates one of the more interesting runners in the line-up at top price 10/1. 

Of the rest, Flotus isn't without a chance. although it's worth pointing out all her best form has taken place over six furlongs, while Khaadem can be considered on his most recent exploits at Goodwood. 

The only doubt with him is the fact he's yet to step foot on York during his 23-race career, so it could well be that the runner-up at the Sussex venue, Raasel, could turn around the tables on his old rival on account of his previous experience of the Knavesmire should he take his chance. 

Nunthorpe Stakes 2022 Ante-Post Tip

For those looking towards the outsiders, DRAGON SYMBOL makes more appeal than most, and he would only have to repeat his third in this race last year to easily outrun his current odds of 40/1. 

Not running anywhere near that level during the early part of the season, the combination of the first-time hood and a weaker field than he's been used to of late enabled him to gain a confidence-boosting victory at Hamilton recently and although that performance was far removed from Group 1 level, at least it served the purpose of getting him back into good habits. 

Moreover, his speed figure was very good and it's also worth pointing out it was the same race used by Emaraaty Ana before he went on to finish runner-up in the Nunthorpe last season.