Bet365 Bonus and 2012 Nunthorpe Stakes Ante Post Betting

One of the most hotly-contested 5f races in Britain is the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes and this Group 1 encounter at York is boasting an incredibly strong entry this year. Punters are being treated to a very tempting ante post market and several top bookmakers are listing some very hefty prices at this point – especially some of the interesting outsiders and each-way selections.

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The betting favourite at this point appears to be the Juddmonte entry Bated Breath and this globetrotting sprinter will be looking to build on his strong performance at Royal Ascot, where he finished second in the King's Stand Stakes. This came after a victory on seasonal debut at Haydock when the five-year-old bay conquered the Group 2 Temple Stakes.

The undefeated Pearl Secret comes into this one off a listed score at Sandown back in June and there is a serious gamble underway on this three-year-old son of Compton Palace. He was sent off at an ultra-slim 1/3 last time out but not only is this his first step up to Group 1 company, it's against older horses as well and that might be too big of an ask – especially at the 5/1 price you'll find him at with several bookmakers.

Ortensia always draws a crowd and the seven-year-old mare will be looking to build on that impressive Group 2 score at Goodwood last week. She's shown that she can tangle with male horses and come out on top so expect her to get a good ride under William Buick and keep improving – it's only her fifth start since March – and that was her victory in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan.

Hoof It hasn't been able to repeat any of last year's heroics so far in his two starts but it can sometimes take him a while to get going. He's been bouncing around to several different jockeys but he does look to be taking some support here – look for him in the 10/1 area.

The really interesting story here is the dramatic return of Starspangledbanner – he was retired to stud in Australia but was found to be effectively infertile so he has been returned to the racetrack. He may have one run before this race but many think he'll be able to bounce right back to 5f competition at the highest level. Look for Starspangled in the region of 12/1.

Ceiling Kitty should attract attention at 20/1 while Angels Will Fall could bounce back after a disappointing fifth place finish last time out. Borderlescott looks like he'll be lining up for this one and he's an impressive 50/1 while Eton Rifles could remain in the mix and looks good at 50/1 as well.