As Ebor Festival Week rolls into Friday, Day 3’s headline act the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, is awash with narrative.

Won last year by Live In The Dream for Steve and Jolene De’Lemos, a potential trip to the Breeders’ Cup awaits the winner.

One of the eye-catching contests of any summer, two favourites stand out from the pack, but the challengers await to throw a spanner in the works, in a tale of familiar foes.

Back on Evs keel; Asfoora challenge

Having rather faded in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot as 11/4f, Glorious Goodwood saw Big Evs back on top.

Exacting revenge on a flying Asfoora by a shoulder length in the King George Qatar Stakes, its was just business as usual for Mick Appleby and his hugely likeable colt.

Still only 3yo, Big Evs has only been beaten once since last years Flying Childers at the St. Leger Festival.

That’s got to be the race of the week 🤩

Big Evs just holds off Asfoora to take the King George Qatar Stakes 🏆#ITVRacing | @Goodwood_Races | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/ZAH4s9kUYh

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 2, 2024

His own sights will already be on a winning return at Doncaster next month, but before then, Evs looks to make it a York double this term.

However, just like Big Evs at Goodwood, Australian raider Asfoora will be keen to regain the upper hand, with the ground very much playing ball.

The duo are set to go off the favourites for the winning post once more, but the company they will keep in the Nunthorpe should be fierce.

Familiar foes

Of the current start list of 15 runners, six featured in the King Charles III Stakes, of which, the same number went head to head in the King George last month.

So there is a real feel of the familiar about this contest.

Not least for Believing, who went head to head with both Big Evs and Asfoora at the Royal Meet and Goodwood, and who here comes with Ryan Moore in tow.

The duo rode to victory in last month Castletown Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, as Regional eyes a third win of the season.

Callum Rodriguez and Regional were bridesmaids at Royal Ascot to Asfoora, and though almost a year since his last victory, it feels like a result is coming for one of the elder statesmen here.

Then of course, there is the aforementioned defending champ, Live In The Dream.

Though winless since his stunning 28/1 defeat of the sadly-departed Highfield Princess, the 5yo gelding showed enough promise in the King George to suggest a strong defence of the crown.

Meanwhile, Bradsell – also a conqueror of Highfield Princess last season at a big price – makes his return to UK turf a year on from finishing third.

Lightly raced, trainer Archie Watson drops his runner in here, carrying a good deal of support at 8/1 with 888sport and comes here off victory in Deauville earlier this month.

What is clear, the contenders are circling for the this year’s renewal of the Nunthorpe, which could be one of the most competitive in recent years.

Big Evs and Asfoora may not have it all their own way on the Knavesmire.

The Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes takes place on Friday at 3:35pm UK time.

Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes Guide and Betting Preview

This expanded preview complements the existing race copy with tactical analysis, race trends and measured betting context for the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The content is intended for readers aged 18+ and emphasises responsible play rather than financial promise.

Key race details, timetable and field overview for Nunthorpe

The Nunthorpe is a five-furlong Group 1 sprint that often defines the season’s best sprinters, and this year the race carries plenty of formlines to unpack. This section summarises the timetable, notable entries and how the draw and ground could shape the finish.

Pace, draw and track trends to watch at York

York’s straight five furlongs favours horses who can find a clear rhythm early, but the inside draw can be vulnerable if a strong leader wires the race across. Historical trends show that a mid-draw bias is common when the going is good to firm and pace is evenly distributed.

When soft ground arrives the race can become more stamina-biased for sprinters, allowing older, robust types to hold on from off the pace. Look at the field for obvious front-runners and confirmed hold-up horses to anticipate the shape of the finish.

Form guide: how the main contenders stack up

Big Evs arrives on the back of a high-class win at Goodwood and carries upward momentum; his turn of foot over five furlongs is a major asset. Asfoora’s consistency at the top level, especially when handling the ground, makes her one of the most reliable market references in the line-up.

Live In The Dream and Bradsell both bring proven Group form and a record of handling big-field sprints, which matters in a crowded Nunthorpe; regional horses such as Regional and Believing offer value to those who prefer form over hype. Check most recent runs for any wind or equipment changes that can affect short sprints.

Trainer and jockey angles that could influence outcomes

Mick Appleby’s handling of Big Evs shows a trainer confident at maximising a colt’s sprinting rhythm, and his entries often perform when fresh and well-placed. Archie Watson’s tactical switches, including dropping Bradsell in for this race, highlight the trainer’s willingness to target big sprint prizes when the form lines add up.

Jockey bookings are significant in a tight finish; established partnerships like Ryan Moore with Believing and Tom Marquand with those he knows well can shave crucial lengths off a close result. Consider whether a jockey is booked for multiple rides on the card, which may influence last-minute instructions.

Betting market moves, timing and responsible strategies

Market movement before the off can indicate confidence from connections or heavy backers, but swift odds shifts aren’t guarantees of success. If you choose to engage with markets, consider a disciplined approach such as small stakes, limiting exposure to a fixed percentage of your entertainment budget.

Always treat betting as entertainment: never chase losses or stake more than you can afford to lose, and use bookmaker tools to set limits or self-exclude if you need to. For comparison of current bookmaker offers you can explore our free bets page to see terms and welcome deals responsibly.

Big Evs and Asfoora: recent form and expectations

Big Evs has that progressive profile of a three-year-old improving through the season and peak fitness now appears likely for York. Asfoora is battle-hardened at Group level and will handle fast ground, so the pair typify the classic speed-versus-experience debate in sprint contests.

Live In The Dream, Bradsell and veteran plots

Live In The Dream’s defence of the title is built on a potent mix of raw speed and habit of delivering in big races, though the absence of recent wins tempers enthusiasm. Bradsell’s return from France suggests a horse comfortable with travel and varied conditions; assess warm-up performances and declared tactics.

Race day factors: ground, forecast and pace scenario

Weather in the days before the Nunthorpe can be decisive; trainers of quick types may withdraw if heavy rain softens the going beyond their preference. The interplay of declared pacesetters and closers creates tactical depth, so weigh which horses are likely to contest the lead and who will capitalise late.

How to interpret betting odds and market value on the Knavesmire

Odds reflect market perception and liquidity more than certainty, so identify where the market may have overreacted to a single run and where true value sits relative to form. Look for horses with consistent top-end speed figures, repeatable finishing patterns and trainers who target York specifically.

When assessing overlays or value, cross-reference the market with pace maps and recent sectional times to find contenders whose finishing speed is undervalued. If you use multiple bookmakers, shop around for the best odds and consider small each-way stakes where appropriate.

In-play considerations and alternative bet types

In-play markets for five-furlong sprints can be volatile but useful for those who watch the early pace unfold; a slow break from a favourite often opens value on front-running types mid-race. Alternatives such as forecast, tricast or top-three markets spread risk across outcomes and can suit smaller stakes with defined returns.

Remember to use betting features responsibly and only with operators who provide clear markets and tools to manage stakes. The aim should be enjoyment and informed participation rather than profit expectation.

Preparing for race-day: checklists for punters and viewers

Before the off check the final declarations, any non-runners, the official going update and the stalls draw as late changes can affect the race shape. Review each runner’s typical break from the gates and preferred ground to refine how the final furlong might play out.

York’s five-furlong peculiarities to factor in

The straight course at York is long and demanding for five furlongs, favouring horses who maintain pace over a sharp finish rather than those who merely hit top speed briefly. Stamina over the closing stages and the ability to handle traffic in a large field are often undervalued by casual observers.

Summary: measured outlook for the Nunthorpe Stakes

The Nunthorpe promises a tactical sprint with several plausible winners depending on draw, ground and race pace; Big Evs and Asfoora headline a deep field but live chances for Live In The Dream, Bradsell, Regional and Believing should not be dismissed. Keep stakes modest, prioritise informed choices and respect 18+ limits and responsible gambling principles.

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Frequently asked questions about Nunthorpe betting and form

What age is permitted to bet on the Nunthorpe in the UK?

Only persons aged 18 or over may place bets in the UK; operators require age verification and will not accept underage customers.

How important is the draw in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York?

The draw can influence position for early leaders, but pace and ground often matter more; assess the likely tempo before weighting the draw heavily.

Should I consider each-way bets in a competitive Nunthorpe field?

Each-way bets spread risk and can be sensible in a wide open sprint where several runners have credible claims; check the bookmaker’s place terms before placing a ticket.

How do ground conditions affect sprinters in this race?

Firm ground typically suits raw speed, while softer going favours robust, older sprinters; review official going updates and recent runs on similar surfaces.

Are favourites usually safe in five-furlong Group races?

Favourites have an edge but five-furlong sprints are inherently variable and prone to upsets, so avoid staking large sums based on short-priced selections.

What non-monetary strategies help manage betting risk?

Set staking limits, use self-exclusion tools if needed, and treat betting as entertainment rather than income generation to maintain control and enjoyment.

Can in-play betting be useful for the Nunthorpe?

In-play markets can offer value for those who watch early pace and gate speed, but volatility is high so any live bets should be small and considered.

Where can I compare bookmaker free-bet offers responsibly?

Our free bets comparison page lists current welcome offers and key terms; always read the terms and gamble only within your means (18+).