RACING/York Preview: Oasis Dream is bound to go off at very tight odds in the Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes at York today, but he is virtually impossible to oppose.
The three-year-old has all the right credentials in a race that does not look to be a particularly strong renewal.
Oasis Dream, who is trained by John Gosden, was a high-class juvenile, winning the Group One Middle Park Stakes in his final start in impressive fashion.
He did not return to action until Royal Ascot after Gosden gave him a quiet spring, but he acquitted himself well there, finishing third, two and a half lengths behind Aussie "wonder horse" Choisir and Acclamation.
Oasis Dream reversed the form in some style in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket last time, getting well on top in the finish to beat Choisir by a length and a half.
The only slight worry for the favourite would be that he seems to be better over six furlongs than the minimum trip, but hopefully Dominica, who races better when making all, will step up to ensure a good pace.
Marcus Tregoning's filly may be the one to add to your forecast for a bit of value.
Clive Brittain is very sweet on the chances of Badminton in the Group Two Peugeot Lowther Stakes and it might pay to have a bit of confidence in this daughter of Zieten.
She won her only race, a six-furlong maiden at Doncaster, and the form has worked out particularly well, with the runner-up and fourth both subsequent winners.
Although Badminton still has a lot to prove, she is a very promising filly and is related to some useful horses including Cala and Rafferty. Expect her to figure strongly here.
Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart can register a valuable success in his own back yard with Monsieur Bond in the Listed City Of York Stakes.
Henry Cecil sprang a 50 to 1 shock with Bagan on the opening day of the meeting and he can add another success with Singleton in the Listed EBF Galtres Stakes.
The main worry concerning this Singspiel filly is she might just be tapped for toe, but nonetheless expect a big run from the Warren Place inmate.
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