Horse Betting: High hopes for Ortensia in Nunthorpe
The seven-year-old mare was back to winning ways in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood after being slightly disappointing on her first two races on these shores.
Messara said: “She’s in great form. She came through her last race really well and we were happy with her work this morning. Conditions came right at Goodwood and she showed how good she is. The warmer weather has really helped her and I’m looking forward to running her at York.”
Ortensia is currently towards the head of the ante-post market, trading @ (6.8) on Betfair.
The Nunthorpe has been the aim for David Barron’s progressive sprinter Pearl Secret for some time and he goes into the race unbeaten in four starts. He has won over course and distance twice and was last seen winning a Listed race at Sandown.
North Yorkshire-based Barron said: “I am very happy with Pearl Secret and he worked very well this morning. Ideally I’d like him to have more experience coming into a race like this as it is a big step up.
“However, he is a very good horse and he has won at York twice before. He needs a fast pace but I can’t see that not happening in the Nunthorpe. He was a little nervous in his younger days and we were keen to avoid the buzz of Ascot for a bit longer, deciding that York was a better time to step him up.”
