Moviesta and Swiss Spirit renew rivalry in Nunthorpe Stakes

The Group One Nunthorpe Stakes is the feature race on Friday as York’s Ebor meeting enters its penultimate day. Those drawn middle to high on the five furlong course fared best on the opening day and market leaders Sole Power (stall 2) and Shea Shea (stall 5) may struggle to go the early pace.

Moviesta (17) confirmed that he was a sprinter on the upgrade when winning the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood by a length and a half from Swiss Spirit (7). The runner-up made up a lot of late ground and is fancied to turn the tables with the Gosden stable in flying form.

The Group 3 Strensall Stakes at 3.05 provides Pavlosk with an opportunity to make up for a desperately unlucky run at Goodwood when fifth to Annecdote. The filly was held up at the rear but did not get a clear run until far too late.

Luca Cumani’s Danadana has disappointed since winning gamely at Chester and holds the enigmatic Gabrial on that form. Brian Meehan’s Archbishop could be the unknown quantity of the race as he makes his four-year-old debut.

Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Simenon has a chance to gain compensation in the Lonsdale Stakes at 2.30. The six-year-old ran a fine race behind Estimate and a good run here could see him book his place for the Melbourne Cup in November.

Times Up was disappointing at Ascot but usually runs well here and could give the favourite most to do. Ahzeemah is tough and consistent and finished a good second to Brown Panther at Goodwood.

Mark Johnston is doubly represented in the opener with Party Line and Scatter Dice. The former looked set to win here on Wednesday but weakened in the closing stages behind stable companion Broxbourne.

White Nile and Winterlude are the least exposed in the field. Ed Dunlop’s Red Galileo can confirm the promise of his debut when runner-up at Newmarket in the 4.20.

Machete Mark has been running well in some tough handicaps for Ger Lyons and could be on a winning mark in the closing 4.55. Richard Fahey’s Majestic Moon is seeking a fourth straight win after scoring at Goodwood.