Frankie Dettori and Lady Aurelia ready for Battaash challenge in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York racecourse
Lady Aurelia was last seen running away with the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot but she has a new rival to contend with as the progressive Battaash takes her on
FRANKIE DETTORI reckons York will suit Lady Aurelia even better than Ascot in Friday's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.
Wesley Ward's filly blitzed the field in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot when last seen and Dettori can't wait to ride her on the Knavesmire.
"I think it was an almighty performance in the King's Stand. She brushed aside some great older horses," Dettori told Racing UK.
"She's a typical sprinter. She's on her toes and she has two switches - slow and fast. There's nothing in between.
2.25 York - Actress: 'Experienced and sets a good standard with her form'
3.00 York - Chelsea Lad: 'His last race over this course and distance has worked out very well'
3.35 York - Enable: 'The star of the summer and unopposable'
"York might suit her better than Ascot."
Lady Aurelia faces a tough task as Charlie Hills' in-form Battaash takes her on.
His progress this season has been staggering, winning at Listed, Group 3 and Group 2 level and he has shot to the head of the pile of British five-furlong specialists.
"I pulled him out in his work and he was gone - it was a great feeling," said Jockey Jim Crowley.
"He's not overly big but he's just got such a high cruising speed.
"What impressed me at Goodwood was the way he coped with the ground because there's always a doubt in your mind when a horse has got so much speed.
"He'd broken the track record at Sandown the time before."
Marsha has run with credit this season and looks to return to winning ways in the fifth sprint leg of the Qipco British Champions Series.
"She is very consistent, run in all the top sprints this year and been placed every time," said trainer Sir Mark Prescott.
"The Nunthorpe looks a marvellous race with some very, very fast horses in it and she is entitled to be there but Lady Aurelia and Mr Hills' horse (Battaash) have both beaten her this year.
"They have beaten her fair and square before but in sprints, tiny little things make a big difference."
Clive Cox runs Profitable and Priceless, the former having finished second to Marsha, Lady Aurelia and Battaash this season.
"Profitable is in great form and I'm really pleased with him," he said.
"I'd say Lady Aurelia is the one to be beat, but we are 4lb better off with her compared to Ascot. Last year (when sixth), Take Cover put paid to his chance at the start and he never really found any rhythm.
"He's a Listed winner at York, so the track is not a worry."