Mozart heads Nunthorpe field

Mozart, brilliant winner of the Darley July Cup, heads a field of 11 declared at today`s 48-hour stage for the Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Thursday.

Aidan O`Brien`s speedy colt has been drawn four as he attempts the minimum trip for the first time following his impressive win from Cassandra Go over six furlongs at Newmarket last month.

The son of Danehill had earlier been campaigned over further, finishing third in the Entenmann`s Irish 2000 Guineas and winning the seven-furlong Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Opposition will be tough as he takes on specialist five-furlong sprinters with Nuclear Debate bidding to repeat last year`s victory.

The six-year-old, trained in France by John Hammond, trapped from stall one when beating Bertolini by a length and a quarter 12 months ago. He is drawn eight this time.

Pipalong, beaten a total of two and three-quarter lengths in third place last year, has the number two berth.

Cork And Orrery Stakes scorer Harmonic Way, who likes to come with a late challenge, is drawn on the stands` rail in stall 11.

Lynda Ramsden, who used to train Nuclear Debate, realises the enormity of the task facing her runner Bishops Court.

'Well he loves the track, but I think we need Mozart to have to go and swim the Channel or something. But he might even win the race with two legs the way their horses are running,' she told the Racing Channel.

'He has run well there before and we might as well have a go. I just hope the heavens open on Wednesday night.'

Thirsk trainer David Nicholls warns that his recent Leopardstown winner Bahamian Pirate will only run if there is overnight rain.