Reverence's trainer Eric Alston believes last year's winner is the one to beat in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Thursday - as the long as the ground does not dry out too much.

The six-year-old bids to become the first horse to succesfully defend his crown in the five-furlong stampede on the Knavesmire since hat-trick hero Sharpo dominated the sprinting scene from 1980 to 1982.

"He's in super form. He's great with himself and everything has gone well since his last run," said the Preston-based handler.

"We've managed to get all his work into him so we are just hoping for the best.

"He's fine, but he did have a problem during the winter which is why he started a lot later this year.

"His last race, the stiff six furlongs at Ascot, was not his cup of tea. He's had his Group One penalty to carry, but he's not got one at York.

"I could have done with a bit of rain, but we've got what we've got. The ground won't be against him though, and hopefully they have him to beat.

"He handled the ground in the Abbaye (second to Desert Lord) so I don't see any problems. The draw (nine) is OK but if you miss the kick in a sprint like that then you've had it.

"I hope it all goes right for him and it will be fantastic if he could win it again."

Tracey Collins is hoping her King's Stand Stakes runner-up Dandy Man has fared better with the draw (16) than has often been the case in some of his recent races.

Beaten favourite in this race 12 months ago and 11-4 market leader this time, the four-year-old loves fast ground and is reportedly in good shape.

"He's travelled over and the horse is well so we will just have to see what Thursday brings," said the Curragh trainer. "The ground was a bit on the dead side on Tuesday, hopefully it will dry out.

"He appears to have a good draw, but the way the luck of the draw has been with him we'll have to see which way they go."

Kevin Ryan saddles four horses, headed by last year's second Amadeus Wolf.

"He's in good order and ran a great race last year. The ground should be ideal for him and he's in great form," said Ryan.

Wi Dud took the Flying Childers Stakes over the course and distance last September and Ryan is also expecting a bold show from him.

"He's a grand little horse and he's working very well. He's sure to run a big race," the Hambleton trainer went on.

However, Ryan warned the going might not be fast enough for his other two runners - Desert Lord and Green Manalishi.

He added: "Desert Lord probably could do with the ground being a bit quicker. It would have to dry out for him.

"Green Manalishi has only had his ground twice this year - at Newbury and Chester. He's another top of the ground horse who'd appreciate it drying out."

Bryan Smart hopes owner Ron Hull's decision to supplement Moorhouse Lad is rewarded.

Connections decided to fork out £22,000 to put the former handicapper in the Group One sprint following his emphatic victory under Ryan Moore in the Group Three Audi Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

"After he won at Goodwood, Ryan asked if he was in the Nunthorpe and we said he wasn't so we had to supplement him. The owner was very pleased to do so and we'll have a go," Smart said.

"The horse deserves to be there. He's done very well since we've had him. He started off on 80 and now he's rated 111, so that's how well he's done for us this year."

David Barker is triple-handed with three outsiders - Sierra Vista, Celtic Mill and Mecca's Mate.

"They are all very well and have been good flagbearers," said the North Yorkshire trainer. "I think it's going to be genuine good ground which would suit them all.

"I just hope they all run a big race. I have got them as well as possible and we'll just see if they are up to that grade. Over five furlongs anything can happen."

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