By Sean Cronin
Friday's G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes has attracted a field of 14, with just one of the 15 overnight contenders, Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), dropping out of York's third and final Group 1 contest of the week at Wednesday morning's declaration stage. The straight five-furlong dash will act as an unofficial championship decider between Australian raider Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) and Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who are one apiece in sprint showdowns this year, with the former annexing Royal Ascot's G1 King Charles III Stakes and the latter prevailing by a short-head in Goodwood's G2 King George Stakes. They have drawn stalls eight and 14, respectively.
Eva Nieslanikova's forward-running Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), the only other overseas challenger, has drawn stall one. Supporting cast member Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), who notched a victory in the Curragh's G2 Sapphire Stakes in between her fourth at Ascot and third at Goodwood, is alongside Asfoora in stall 13. Ed Bethell trainee Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}), who split Asfoora and Big Evs when second at Royal Ascot, will depart from stall two, while last year's hero Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) will bid to become this century's fifth dual winner of the contest from stall five.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
