Our co-hosts disagree over the favouritism for the Nunthorpe Stakes in Racing Weekly before Sam Turner voices his support for an Andy Holding Ante-Post tip.
Nunthorpe Stakes 2022 - Winner
As part of the York Ebor Festival 2022 Preview together with guest and professional punter Nick Goff, Rishi Persad admitted to being a little underwhelmed by the field for Friday’s feature race.
However, Sam Turner disputed Persad’s view that The Platinum Queen (best price 7/2) would come out as the winner, questioning why he rated the two-year-old’s win at Goodwood as “sexier” and a better indicator than the performance of Royal Aclaim (7/4 favourite) over C&D six weeks ago.
Instead, Turner suggested that The Platinum Queen is a false second favourite, with Royal Aclaim “most definitely” the right favourite, while there could be some value in Highfield Princess (best price 11/1), lessened by the fact her win in France came under two weeks ago.
Nunthorpe Stakes 2022 Runners
| Runner | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Aclaim | 7/4 | 13/8 |
| The Platinum Queen | 7/2 | 11/4 |
| Highfield Princes | 10/1 | 7/1 |
| Khaadem | 12/1 | 9/1 |
| Flotus | 12/1 | 10/1 |
| Emaraaty Ana | 16/1 | 12/1 |
| Raasel | 16/1 | 12/1 |
| Winter Power | 20/1 | 14/1 |
| Dragon Symbol | 25/1 | 16/1 |
| Lazuli | 25/1 | 18/1 |
| Acklam Express | 33/1 | 20/1 |
| Ebro River | 40/1 | 24/1 |
| Clarendon House | 50/1 | 16/1 |
| New York City | 66/1 | 40/1 |
| Ainsdale | 150/1 | 45/1 |
*Odds accurate as of 13:30 on 18/08/2022
Nunthorpe Stakes 2022 Tips & Prediction
Turner shared his each-way pick for the race, explaining: “The one that's a big price who placed in the race last year is DRAGON SYMBOL who showed signs he was coming back at Hamilton last time.
“Five furlongs is the key for me with him; he’s only once been beaten by more than a length and a half over that distance in six starts (1st, 2nd, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).”
Those following our Ante-Post coverage of the York Ebor over the last few weeks might remember that Andy Holding tipped Dragon Symbol at 40/1 (now best price 25/1).
He explained: “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.”
Nick Goff, meanwhile, aired cautious support for the Dixons through RAASEL, who makes his Group 1 debut in the Nunthorpe. “I’m a big fan of what they've (Dixons) done to get their horses ready in races like this. Raasel was a little bit unlucky at Goodwood (second to Khaadem). If they go really quick here it might suit - which wouldn't surprise me - so he could be an each-way bet.”
