'When two-year-olds have taken Nunthorpe chance they're usually in the shake-up'
The Platinum Queen will line up in next Friday's Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (3.35) at York's Ebor festival after connections decided to supplement her for the Group 1 sprint.
The daughter of Cotai Glory has won three of her four starts and broke the juvenile course record over five furlongs at Glorious Goodwood last time, which has tempted owners Middleham Park Racing to stump up the £40,000 fee to test her at the top level.
Tom Palin, syndicate manager for Middleham Park, said on Saturday morning: "We've just pressed the button to supplement and it's all systems go. She did a leg stretch on Saturday morning but did a wonderful piece of work on Wednesday morning under Oisin Orr.
"She's earned £38,190 in her career, so it's wiped out her entire earnings, but the owners in the syndicate are incredibly sporting and think we've got a lot to go there for. It's so exciting, especially being able to take on the fastest in the world."
The Platinum Queen will attempt to emulate Kingsgate Native, who was the last juvenile to win the Nunthorpe in 2007, but Palin is not fazed by the task and added: "I think whenever two-year-olds have taken their chance, all bar Requinto, they've been in the shake-up, which gives us confidence. It's a path that's not trodden often, but if you do it sensibly, you'll be rewarded.
"She's already got good course-and-distance form. She was breathtaking there, and the form of her last win is quietly getting boosted as well. Union Court, who was second to her at Goodwood, was second to one of ours in the St Hugh's Stakes on Friday."
He confirmed Hollie Doyle will take over from Oisin Orr in the saddle at York and Palin hopes the pair will be able to do the 14 members in the syndicate proud, with most of them from Yorkshire.
"For them to have a leading chance in such a race at their local premier track is brilliant for them," he said. "They're counting down the days. One of them is owning a horse for the first time - she isn't a bad horse to be a part of on your first go!
"Hollie's excited about it. She's a multiple Group 1-winning jockey and they should be really suited together. She's a really positive jockey and that's how we want her to be ridden."
The Platinum Queen could face 16 rivals in the Nunthorpe following the confirmations stage, including favourite Royal Aclaim, who scorched the Knavesmire with her impressive City Walls Stakes win last month.
Middleham Park Racing could also be represented in the Nunthorpe by Clarendon House, who finished fourth in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood last time.
Palin said: "He deserves to take his chance on his King George run at Goodwood. To be so close to some of the market principals there and feature solidifies his chance."
Last year's winner Winter Power could defend her crown, while Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Highfield Princess could make a swift return and may be among a strong team of fillies, which also includes Group 3 winner Flotus.
The progressive Raasel, last year's second, Sprint Cup winner Emaraaty Ana and Ebro River were also notable confirmations at the latest stage.
Strad stands his ground in Lonsdale Cup
Stradivarius could potentially face Trueshan in another thrilling clash in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup (2.25) after the star stayers were among nine confirmations for the Group 2.
The eight-year-old agonisingly missed out on a fifth Goodwood Cup success when second behind Kyprios last month, with Trueshan one and a quarter lengths back in third.
He will put his unbeaten York record on the line again and bid for a fourth Lonsdale Cup success, having won the race last year, as well as in 2018 and 2019.
Goodwood Cup fourth Coltrane and Group 2 winner Quickthorn could also challenge the pair in the 2m contest.
Scotsman set for Gimcrack
Impressive Richmond Stakes winner Royal Scotsman will line up in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (3.00) instead of the Prix Morny at Deauville having been confirmed by connections to be heading to York instead of France.
The Paul and Oliver Cole-trained star broke the juvenile course record over 6f at Goodwood with his success last month and will bid for more Group 2 glory.
Paul Cole said: "We're going to York, you just don't know how hot it's going to be at Deauville for the Morny. It's a bit too stressful in this heat, but I'm thinking about him long term anyway.
"I'm happy to do this and if he's going to be any good he won't worry about the penalty and he came out of Goodwood very well."
Royal Scotsman runs in the colours of Jim and Fitri Hay, whose King George Stakes winner Khaadem is also on course for York's card on Friday where he will appear under Ryan Moore in the Nunthorpe.
July Stakes winner Persian Force, who was no match for Little Big Bear in the Phoenix Stakes last time, was also among 17 confirmations for the 6f Group 2.
The unbeaten Marshman, who was an impressive winner at Thirsk on Friday night, could make a quick return, while Aidan O'Brien could be represented by Group 3 winner The Antarctic and Aesop's Fables.
Read these next:
Keith Melrose has five Saturday bets after 7-2 and 9-1 winners last week (£)
100-1 to 5-4: extraordinary gamble foiled as Twoplustwo Equals disappoints
Racing waits for fallout as drought is declared in eight English regions
'Why would we stop now?' - superstar Stradivarius could stay in training in 2023
Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.
Published on inNews
Last updated
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off