'All speed' Frenetic primed for Nunthorpe - the only thing missing is a jockey

Champion sprinter Battaash is set to face a dual juvenile challenge in the Coolmore Nunthorpe after Frenetic joined Golden Pal in the mix for the York showdown.

Ger Lyons is keen to take advantage of the large weight concession that two-year-olds receive in Britain's only all-aged Group 1 5f contest, although he has yet to book a jockey capable of doing the lightweight 8st his filly would carry on August 21.

Golden Pal set to exploit 24lb advantage against Battaash in epic Nunthorpe

Colin Keane was on board when Frenetic, an impressive all-the-way winner at around 5f on her first two starts, was caught near the finish by Aloha Star in a 6f Group 2 at the Curragh last Sunday.

"Frenetic is all speed," her trainer said. "She got her pocket picked last week. It was the first race she'd ever seen another horse, the Ballydoyle horse stayed with her and she blew her away then Chris [Hayes] just attacked late.

"For me the fastest horse finished second, although I hate people taking away from the winner."

Frenetic is a best-priced 14-1 for the Nunthorpe, in which Norfolk Stakes runner-up Golden Pal (10-1) will also bid to get the better of last year's winner Battaash (11-10).

"Looking at her speed she looks as though she's going to be a rock-solid five-furlong type of filly," Lyons said.

"She has 8st in the Nunthorpe, my biggest problem now is who'd ride her. I asked Chris Hayes but he wouldn't do 8st. So the ride will come a begging for somebody."

Qatar Racing's Norfolk winner The Lir Jet is another possible Nunthorpe contender and racing manager David Redvers said: "Sheikh Fahad is keeping his options open.

"I see the Wesley Ward horse whom we beat at Ascot [Golden Pal] is coming over and it would be an interesting race. The other possibility is the Group 2 Flying Childers at Doncaster in which he would not have to carry a penalty."

Even odds-against for York

Lyons' Irish Oaks winner Even So looks unlikely to join her stablemate at York next month.

"The initial thought was to find a little prep and head for Ascot or something like that," the trainer said.

"You've got the Yorkshire Oaks but I wouldn't be in a rush to take on Love. Without talking to connections, they let all of their horses take each other on but I don't know that I need to go and do that with her."

Even So and Colin Keane win the Irish OaksCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Cross-channel options look to be out for the three-year-old, whose trainer added: "It's not as easy for me to go to France as it is the guys from Newmarket. The only way for me to do France is to fly and that's hugely extortionate.

"Her real career could kick in at four because there is a really good programme for older fillies."

Members can click here to read David Baxter's assessment of two-year-olds in the Nunthorpe

Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes betting:

William Hill: 11-10 Battaash, 6 Art Power, 7 Oxted, Sceptical, 10 Golden Pal, 12 Glass Slippers, 14 A'Ali, Frenetic, Hello Youmzain, Liberty Beach, 16 The Lir Jet, 20 bar

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