'This is a very different kettle of fish' - who can trade fences for the Flat in the unique Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe?

A five-furlong sprint on the Knavesmire will be foreign territory for most jump jockeys, so it will be a major boost to have a horse who could run the track with their eyes closed in Copper Knight. 

The 11-year-old has made 32 appearances at York, gaining six wins over course and distance, and there is no better ride for Jamie Hamilton to have as he bids for a first success in the Sky Bet 'Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe' Handicap (3.20). 

Hamilton teams up with Tim Easterby for the fourth time in this unique contest, for which jump jockeys turn their hand to sprinting, and he will have a fighting chance as Copper Knight comes into the race in flying form, having won two of his last three starts. 

"Jamie has come to ride him out a few times at home, so that's going to be useful for the big day," Easterby said. "He likes decent ground and is in great form, so hopefully he'll have a good chance. It's amazing at the age of 11 he still loves racing and is still winning. He's very special."

Night On Earth (near side) wins last year's Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe under Charlie ToddCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Easterby is not the only trainer to tee up one of his own jump jockeys for this contest as Ben Haslam has employed a similar tactic with Richie McLernon on Wen Moon. 

"Richie has been very successful for us over jumps and it'll be very interesting to see how he gets on as this is a very different kettle of fish," Haslam said. 

"Wen Moon's been a little disappointing this year and we're going back to basics because something isn't quite clicking. I'm not sure he's had any luck with the ground and if he's been trying to shirk the issue, I'm sure Richie will put him straight."

Jonathan England and Micheal Nolan have already won this race and are among several seasoned regulars back for more, including Robbie Dunne, who was not beaten far last year on 40-1 shot Fortunate Star. His mount will be much better fancied this time for Declan Carroll. 

"It seems that the tongue-tie has made a big difference," Carroll said. "I thought he's was just a little bit unlucky last time at Doncaster. He ran in this race last year and was respectable, but he comes into it this time in better form, so we'll be hopeful of a good run."

Soul Seeker, whose impressive record here includes two wins and a second, will also be a danger under Joe Williamson alongside Protest Rally, who has been handed a plum draw between Copper Knight and favourite Bona Fortuna for Brendan Powell. 

Protest Rally's trainer Liam Bailey said: "He ran okay at the track last time and wasn't beaten too far, he just got stuck on a wing. He's drawn right up the middle this time, which should be a big help and more importantly right next to Copper Knight. He'll like the ground drying out and I think he's got a good chance."

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