Muthmir Too Fast, Too Furious For Nunthorpe

“Fast and Furious” – that’s the best way of describing Friday’s big Group 1 sprint, the Nunthorpe (3.40), in which punters have been all over the American raider, Acapulco (7/4).

Acapulco To Land Hot Odds?

Wesley Ward’s juvenile had just the one career outing back home prior to landing a Group 2 at Royal Ascot on her British debut (5f, good to firm), travelling very well before quickening smartly. As if that wasn’t enough, the fact Acapulco is a juvenile filly means she receives a huge weight allowance from the rest of the field, to the tune of at least 24lb.

It’s little surprise, therefore, that money has come for Acapulco, and the fact she avoided Group 1 company last time could be a good sign based on past history of this race…

Nunthorpe Trends

Of the last 10 winners…

10 were drawn in stalls 2-13 – others were 0-41
9 won over 5f
9 avoided Group 1 company last time
8 had never won a Group 1
8 ran over 5f last time
8 ran 3-4 times during last 90 days
7 were British-bred
7 arrived via Goodwood or Sandown

Muthmir Looks Primed

Another to have side-stepped Group 1 company last time was William Haggas’ 5yo, Muthmir (5/1), beaten only 1/2l in the King’s Stand Stakes (5f, good to firm) behind Goldream (16/1), prior to winning a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood three weeks ago (5f, good to firm).

Muthmir’s chance is respected, with form-figures over 5f now reading 1131, while his conqueror at Ascot, Goldream, finished runner-up twice over this C&D and has been put aside for Friday’s challenge.

Also rested since is the veteran, Medicean Man (25/1), who was sandwiched between the aforementioned at Ascot and is well priced.

On the subject of veterans, the 8yo, Sole Power (6/1), heads back in an attempt to win this race for the second year running, and he looked to be coming right when fourth in the July Cup at Newmarket last month.

Angel Prays For Rain

Also in good form is Michael Dods’ improving filly, Mecca’s Angel (10/1), who was a dual Group 3 winner prior to finishing runner-up in a Group 2 last time. This 4yo has each-way claims, and her chance will increase further if any rain arrives.

One who won’t mind the ground fast or soft is last year’s Group 1 Abbaye winner, Move In Time, who is very well priced at 16/1. Considering he was a close runner-up in handicap company at this meeting last year, and finished strongly when third to Muthmir at Goodwood, there is every chance he can finish in the mix.

Recommended Bets

With some big-priced winners of this down the years, the likes of Wind Fire looks interesting at 25/1, but there is also a lot to like about Muthmir, who arrives in top form, knows how to win here and has an excellent record over 5f (1131).