Bacio is the American dream in Nunthorpe

Bacio is the pick to give American trainer Wesley Ward a coveted first success in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

The popular Keeneland handler has come close before with Acapulco and Lady Aurelia – the latter when ridden by Frankie Dettori, who famously was convinced he had edged Marsha flashing past the line, only for the judge to prove him wrong.

He has had other disappointments, namely Golden Pal, but now tries with Bacio, a horse who blitzed the opposition in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot.

Those picking against him will say that was only a handicap and while that is true, it was run in a faster time than the Group One King Charles III Stakes was over the same trip earlier in the week.

He fairly scorched through the final furlong and if Ward’s luck with the weather holds for once, jockey Juan Hernandez can enjoy a landmark day in the saddle.

With no Trawlerman or Scandinavia to worry about, Caballo De Mar surely has a golden chance of Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup glory.

A line can be put firmly though his Gold Cup run, as he raced with too much exuberance and while he was still there two furlongs out he dropped away and was virtually pulled up, with the vet reporting him to be showing signs of heat stress in the aftermath.

He had picked up his second Group One prior to that and trainer George Scott resisted all temptation to run him anywhere after Ascot to wait for this.

The Michael Dods-trained Arapaho Gold can come through his biggest test yet to land the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.

Already gelded, the son of Bayside Boy is unbeaten in three starts so far and travelled down to Newbury last time to win a good novice affair, one that last year produced the Middle Park winner in Wise Approach.

This year’s renewal looks like it was right up to standard too, with runner-up Nabati winning at the July meeting and third home Agamemnon – who reopposes – only finding one too good in a Group Three in France.

Lancaster Tower can carry the royal silks to victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes.

With £100,000 up for grabs, this is the richest event of its kind in Europe and a royal winner is on the cards as the John and Thady Gosden-trained Lancaster Tower looked full of potential on his debut third at Sandown.

A son of Kingman, he must work like a good horse as he was odds-on to make a winning start at the Esher venue and looked like doing so when quickening to a slight advantage over Quest For Stars two furlongs out, only for the Godolphin colt to battle back while Grove Street finished well to deny him second.

Although favourite-backers might not have thought so at the time, there was lots to like about how he went through the race and lots to like about the form, too, with Quest For Stars expected to be seen in Group One company next.

Elsewhere, Zanndabad is worth a look in the Assured Data Protection Handicap. He ran well in the Northumberland Plate from a wide draw and has not been seen since. Jamie Spencer is booked for Tony Martin and the market might guide as to his chance.

Away from York, make note of Billy Loughnane at Newmarket – the title-chasing rider could have a fine time of it, with Beguiled, Al Jabbar and Zighy to name just three with excellent chances.

TAB is betting on 5 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

YORK: Race 1: 14.50 Zennor Storm, Race 2: 15.25 Caballo De Mar, Race 3: 16.00 Arapaho Gold, Race 4: 16.35 BACIO (NAP), Race 5: 17.10 Zanndabad, Race 6: 17.45 Lancaster Tower, Race 7: 18.20 Janey Mackers.

NEWMARKET: Race 1: 15.00 Beguiled, Race 2: 15.35 Al Jabbar, Race 3: 16.10 Zighy, Race 4: 16.45 Port Darwin, Race 5: 17.20 Rizal, Race 6: 17.51 Bami.

FFOS LAS: Race 1: 15.10 Sixtygeesbaby, Race 2: 15.45 Oviedo, Race 3: 16.20 Korbut, Race 4: 16.55 Follow My Heart, Race 5: 17.30 Charencey, Race 6: 18.02 Virtual Hug.

HAMILTON: Race 1: 17.33 Pikachu, Race 2: 18.07 Foxy Night, Race 3: 18.40 Flagbearer, Race 4: 19.15 Evanesco, Race 5: 19.45 Jordan Electrics, Race 6: 20.15 Lipsink, Race 7: 20.45 City Captain, Race 8: 21.15 King Of The Jungle.

SALISBURY: Race 1: 18.27 Marsh Benham, Race 2: 18.57 Thanks Harry, Race 3: 19.27 Zen Diva, Race 4: 19.57 Box Clever, Race 5: 20.27 Bintward, Race 6: 20.57 Masterdream.

ALL TO COME: Caballo De Mar and Bacio (York, Races 2 and 4).

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