Bacio leads the way as Nunthorpe takes shape

Wesley Ward’s impressive Royal Ascot winner Bacio heads a field of 20 sprinters for the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes.

The three-year-old made all to win the Palace of Holyroodhouse by three and three-quarter lengths and now steps up in grade to Group One level on the Knavesmire.

Globetrotting Australian star Asfoora stands her ground for her swansong and will retired after the race.

Further international flavour is provided by Francis-Henri Graffard’s Rayevka heading over from France and Satono Reve representing Japanese trainer Noriyuki Hori.

Goodwood’s King George winner American Affair also remains in contention along with Richard Hannon’s exciting juvenile Pershaada, who was impressive in beating Adonis in the Molecomb at Goodwood.

Tim Palin of owners Middleham Park Racing told Tattersalls: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have another runner in the Nunthorpe after The Platinum Queen. It is an absolute privilege for our syndicate members to be going to the Knavesmire next week with a filly like this.

“What a little superstar Pershaada has been. Her Molecomb performance was achieved in really taking fashion. The official handicapper raised her to 106.

“She goes there with a live chance and receives the valuable two-year-old and fillies’ allowances. If she could go one better than The Platinum Queen, she would be a superstar – but she already has been for us.”

Aidan O’Brien is double-handed with Mission Central and Brussels.

Following the retirement of Trawlerman, 10 remain in contention in the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup.

George Scott’s Caballo De Mar will bid to bounce back from his disappointing run in the Ascot Gold Cup where he finished tailed off last of the 11 runners.

Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc appears to be a chief danger from the home challengers alongside Al Nayyir from the Tom Clover yard. Gregory who won the Grand Cup on the Knavesmire in June represents John and Thady Gosden in the absence of the recently-retired Trawlerman.

Carmers (Paddy Twomey) and last year’s dual Derby winner Lambourn (O’Brien) cross the Irish Sea.

Michael Dods’ unbeaten Arapaho Gold leads the list of 15 colts still remaining in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.

Hugo Palmer’s Adaay Of Scarlett will be bidding to put a run of four second places behind him with other contenders towards the top of the market coming from Matteo (Kevin Ryan), Carry The Flag (Aidan O’Brien) and Great Oak (Karl Burke).