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The Knavesmire is bracing itself for a sizzling sprint spectacle as Asfoora and Big Evs prepare to lock horns for the third time in Friday's Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The five-furlong dash promises to be a blistering affair, with a stellar cast of 14 speedsters declared for the US$546,000 contest.
Henry Dwyer's Australian flyer Asfoora is bidding to recapture the magic that saw her scorch the Ascot turf in June. The daughter of Pride Of Dubai left her rivals trailing in her wake when claiming the Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes, with Big Evs among those feeling the heat of her afterburners.
Not to be outdone, Mick Appleby's Big Evs swiftly exacted revenge at Glorious Goodwood. The Blue Point colt displayed tremendous courage to pip Asfoora in a pulsating finish to the Gr.2 King George Qatar Stakes, setting the stage for this mouthwatering rubber match.
While the spotlight naturally falls on the headline duo, a host of talented sprinters are poised to crash the party. Adam West's defending champion Live In The Dream returns to the scene of his finest hour, while last year's third-placed Archie Watson-trained Bradsell enters the fray in fine fettle following an eye-catching comeback at Deauville.
Course specialist Regional, hailing from the Ed Bethell yard, and Ralph Beckett's improving Starlust both boast winning form over the flying five furlongs at York. Adding an international flavour to proceedings is Czech sensation Ponntos, whose blistering early speed is sure to inject further excitement into this potential epic.
With Goodwood third Believing also in the mix, Friday's Nunthorpe is shaping up to be a contest for the ages. As the mercury rises on the Knavesmire, speed aficionados are set for a treat with some of Europe's finest sprinters ready to scorch the turf in their pursuit of Group One glory.