Younger sprint rivals to take on Ortensia
TRAINER Paul Messara is wary of new blood against Ortensia, including an unbeaten colt racing in the same silks as Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden, when the decorated sprinting mare continues her international campaign in the Nunthorpe Stakes over the straight 1000m course at York in England.
Familiar names such as July Cup winner Mayson, Kings Stand Stakes runnerup Sole Power and established English sprinters Bated Breath and Dandy Boy are expected to be among Ortensia’s Group 1 Nunthorpe rivals on Friday night (Australian time).
But bookmakers think it might be an emerging sprinter such as three-year-old Pearl Secret which poses the biggest threat to Ortensia, while Messara says the inclusion of several two-year-olds in a possible 30-horse field might hold the key to the 1000m York dash.
‘‘This is the first Group race over here with the two-year-olds involved (for the first time) and they get a massive relief in terms of weight,’’ he said.
Two juveniles remain in the Nunthorpe entry with the filly Ceiling Kitty, a 16-1 chance in pre-post betting, given a strong chance to upset her older rivals.
Ceiling Kitty, owned by Betfair founder Andrew Black, starred during Royal Ascot with her victory over Hoyam in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes.
Pearl Secret (6-1), who holds down the second line of betting behind Ortensia (5-1), is unbeaten in four starts.
Messara returned to England late last week and he can’t fault Ortensia’s condition as she tries to go back-to-back after her King George Stakes win.
‘‘She looks a picture of health,’’ he said. ‘‘She’s certainly improved (since Goodwood) and she’s probably as good as we could have her.’’