Kingsgate Native the favourite for Nunsthorpe double
Wednesday 13th August 2008
Kingsgate Native could become the first horse since Jeremy Tree's Sharpo to win the Nunsthorpe Stakes two years in a row at York next week.
John Best's horse is the favourite to retain his title at the bookmakers, where he is 9/2.
Equiano is expected to be his closest rival at 5/1, with Captain Gerrard the third best-backed colt after a flurry of wagers from punters.
According to William Hill, Brian Smart's mount has moved in from 20/1 to 8/1 over the last month, as punters bet on him to triumph in what are expected to be rainy conditions.
"The weight of money behind Captain Gerrard is pretty strong and punters are clearly expecting a massive run from Brian Smart's charge," commented Kate Miller, a spokesperson for the bookmaker.
Kingsgate Native will have to win in 2009 as well if he is to match Sharpo's hat-trick of victories from 1980 to 1982.
Kingsgate Native could become the first horse since Jeremy Tree's Sharpo to win the Nunsthorpe Stakes two years in a row at York next week.