Asfoora and Big Evs sprinting rivalry resumes at York on Friday, with both Henry Dwyer’s Australian star and Mick Appleby’s Breeders’ Cup winner set to clash in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.
The Australian sprinter defeated Big Evs in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier this summer. However, Appleby’s Blue Point colt exacted revenge at Goodwood, narrowly winning the King George Qatar Stakes.
Joining the field of 14 for the five-furlong Group One is Goodwood's third Believing, defending champion Live In The Dream, and last year’s third-place finisher, Bradsell, who impressed on his return at Deauville. Course winners Regional (Ed Bethell) and Starlust (Ralph Beckett) also add depth, while Czech sprinter Ponntos is expected to set a blistering pace.
In the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes, Appleby’s Big Mojo, who won the Molecomb, steps up to six furlongs. Charlie Appleby also fields the unbeaten Shadow Of Light, aiming for a second win in three years in this Group Two race.
Hamad Al Jehani’s The Strikin Viking, closed at this level twice since a debut win at Knavesmire, and Karl Burke’s Andesite, which has solid course form, will also compete.
The Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, another highlight of the day, features nine contenders, including Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale, Willie Mullins’ Vauban, and previous winner Quickthorn (Hughie Morrison).