Mozart will face a maximum of 14 rivals when he bids to strengthen his claim to the European sprint championship at York on Thursday. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt looked a top-class performer when running away with the six-furlong Darley July Cup at Newmarket last month.
And he will bid to complete a Group One double last achieved by O'Brien's Stravinsky two years ago when he lines up for the Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes over five furlongs. Also among 15 sprinters confirmed today for the £185,000 event were Mozart's stable-companions Ishiguru, Modigliani and recent Goodwood winner Dietrich.
Nuclear Debate, trained in France by John Hammond, remains on course to bid for a repeat of last year's win, though Godolphin today withdrew 2000 second Bertolini and will be without a runner. Tim Easterby has left in both last year's Haydock Park Sprint Cup winner Pipalong, third here 12 months ago, and Romantic Myth.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
