Stravinsky can make a further drop-back-in trip pay off spectacularly at York today when the Nureyev colt is sure to be a hot favourite for the Nunthorpe Stakes.

A failure as a Guineas prospect, Stravinsky looked a potentially awesome sprinter when demolishing a high-class field in the six-furlong July Cup at Newmarket.

Comparisons with former sprint greats were being made after that but now Stravinsky tackles the minimum five-furlong distance for the first time in his career.

Five furlongs, especially over a flat track like York, places unique demands. Almost all of them revolve around sheer blatant speed but an unsettled weather forecast could also see Stravinsky facing more testing ground than is ideal.

There is also some not inconsequential opposition including the first three home in last year's Nunthorpe, Lochangel, Sainte Marine and Dashing Blue.

At their best, anyone of those five-furlong specialists would present a serious challenge for the Aidan O'Brien trained colt but generally speaking, their best has not been seen recently.

In contrast, Stravinsky comes here on a career high and the combination of sprint distances and a visor look to have reinvigorated his career. His ability to cruise in the July Cup suggests raw speed will not be a problem for him and only a deluge will discourage most from rowing in with him.