British Spot Plays: York for Aug. 22

The Group offerings on Day 3 of the Ebor Festival at York range from stayers in the Lonsdale Cup (G2) to the swiftest five-furlong specialists in the featured Nunthorpe (G1). I'll be taking a swing at the latter, and at a historic two-year-old fixture, as I try to right the ship after going for 0-for-2 on Wednesday's card.

The British betting bankroll stands at $369.50. I'll wager 5% of the outstanding balance to win on each of the following plays, beginning with an $18 play.

Race 3: Gimcrack (G2), 10 a.m. ET

Although he has about three lengths to find on the multiple Group-placed maiden Do Or Do Not, based on their respective performances in the Coventry (G2) at Royal Ascot, #7 Rock on Thunder (6-1) can probably close the gap in this not-so-deep renewal of this six-furlong dash for juveniles.

Outside of the Coventry, Rock on Thunder's form is solid. He won on debut at Leicester and, after Ascot, the son of Night of Thunder finished a distant but clear second in the Rose Bowl S. at Newbury to Wise Approach, an exciting prospect for Godolphin who had previously run second to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk (G2). 

Based on the overseas market at this writing, Rock on Thunder should remain at a square price.

Race 4: Nunthorpe (G1), 10:35 a.m. ET

The Nunthorpe is one of the more unique Group 1s you'll find anywhere in the world, a mad, five-furlong dash where it's not unusual to see two-year-old fillies take on older males. While the older males must lug an oppressive 141 pounds, a pair of juvenile fillies in Friday's edition will carry 114, 27 pounds less.

Despite the feathery imposts, I'm not siding with either of the youngsters. Instead, I'll look to the five-year-old mare #12 Mgheera (10-1) to continue her strong form this season. Formerly based in France, she joined the Ed Walker yard in England this year and proceeded to win the Prix de Saint Georges (G3) and Temple (G2) within a 13-day span in May. Last time, she finished a strong second in the Sapphire (G2) at the Curragh to returning rival Arizona Blaze.

A lot of cases can be made in this field of 17, but Mgheera looks fairly attractive on current form and market price.