Bradsell can make his mark in Nunthorpe, says Hollie Doyle

PA Sport Reporters
August 20, 2024 2:57 pm

Comeback victory at Deauville has set up a big date at York on Friday.

Hollie Doyle is backing Bradsell to be right in the mix when he goes for Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes glory at York on Friday.

Archie Watson’s dual Royal Ascot winner was third behind shock winner Live In The Dream and Highfield Princess in the Knavesmire Group One 12 months ago and is back in Yorkshire as the 27-year-old’s star mount for the four-day Ebor Festival seeking to go two places better.

The son of Tasleet returned from a 329-day break in fine form when landing Deauville’s Prix du Cercle earlier this month, and Doyle is hopeful he will put his best foot forward in one of the sprinting showdowns of the season with Henry Dwyer’s Australian ace Asfoora and Mick Appleby’s Breeders’ Cup hero Big Evs also among the protagonists.

Doyle told TalkSPORT 2: “We know he’s a very good horse on his day and I thought his reappearance run in Deauville was very smooth and I liked the way he hit the line.

“He’s been in amazing form since that, and you never know what he’s capable of – he’s full of surprises!

“I think sprint form can be turned around, you can run the same race three or four times and get a different winner. It’s such small margins. I think it depends on which horse is in the best condition on the day.”

On the four-day feast of racing on the Knavesmire, she added: “I love York, it’s a great track and a great atmosphere.

“I could do with a bit more luck there, Tom (Marquand, husband) has a great week usually with William Haggas’ runners, but it’s something I look forward to every year and hopefully I can ride a winner or two.”