YORK 15:40

Non Runners: BORDERLESCOTT, PEARL SECRET.

Time: 57.92s

Overrounds: Industry SP 123%, Betfair SP 101.6%

There's hardly a whole host of top-notch sprinters in Britain and Ireland at the moment and, with them finishing so heaped up, this year's Nunthorpe is rated lower than you'd expect a Group 1 sprint to be; Sole Power did well to win, though, and would have done so much more comfortably with a clear run, whilst G Force also caught the eye after meeting trouble and is another whose effort needs marking up; this is a race that has been impacted upon by the draw/track position in recent years but this time they all came together to race in one group.

SOLE POWER is a wonderful sprinter, now a 4-time Group 1 winner, and with a bit more luck over the years he might well have had more, also just thriving this season, rated higher than he's ever been, perhaps helped by being kept fresh, off for the 9 weeks since Royal Ascot, value for even more on top of the bare result this time as he did very well to overcome trouble and win, his class getting him through; waited with, travelled strongly, headway when met some trouble over 1f out, forced to switch, had to wait for a gap inside final 1f, almost ran out of time but quickened smartly to lead close home after it had opened up for him; he's likely to head for the sprint on the newly-formed Irish Champions Day next and would take all the beating there.

STEPPER POINT has had a tremendous season, better than ever, proving himself a genuine Group 1 5f horse with seconds in both the Kings Stand and this, even if flattered by proximity to Sole Power on both occasions; close up, went with zest, edged ahead entering final 1f, collared close home; he was scuppered by the draw in last year's Abbaye but would be dangerous in that race if granted a handier starting position this time around.

EXTORTIONIST (IRE) hadn't tried a Group 1 before but had the level of form to make him competitive and continues right at the top of his game; mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on towards far side of the group, never nearer; will continue to run well and it's by no means out of the question that he does even better in his 4-y-o season.

MOVIESTA (USA) bombed out completely in this race 12 months ago but came here a fresher horse this year and ran well to hit the frame, confirming that he's back at the top of his game; prominent, challenged inside final 1f, no extra final 50 yds, had every chance; he's a straightforward, versatile sort and ought to be adding more pattern wins to his record before too long.

HOT STREAK (IRE) has come up short at Group 1 level so far, back at 5f this time and running just respectably, and if he is to win one of these top races at the minimum trip then he might need easier ground, both of his standout performances (wins in the Cornwallis and Temple) having come on softer than good; chased leaders, ridden approaching final 1f, not quicken, had every chance as race panned out.

G FORCE (IRE) shaped well and would have run comfortably his best race yet with a clear run, unlucky not to finish closer; held up, shaken up 2f out, didn't pick up immediately but was making good headway when hampered inside final 1f, finished with a flourish once in the clear; he's one to be interested in.

RANGALI improved when beating last year's Abbaye runner-up Catcall at Chantilly in June and, although not quite repeating that performance, this was a much tougher race and he ran respectably; chased leaders, driven over 1f out, one paced, had every chance.

TAKE COVER produced two big efforts within the space of a few weeks to win here and at Goodwood and might have left something behind with those, not in quite the same form here, beaten by 4 that reopposed from last time; forced pace, headed halfway, one paced.

COUGAR MOUNTAIN (IRE) was inconvenienced by dropping back to 5f and remains a horse of considerable potential, worth reaffirming how encouraging it is that he can cope with Group 1 company despite having such little experience; struggled with pace, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on, found the test inadequate; will benefit from return to 6f and no surprise to see him make a much bigger impact in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

ASTAIRE (IRE) had no trouble dropping back to 5f, able to lie up, but ultimately ran below form; pressed leader, went on halfway, headed approaching final 1f, weakened.

MONSIEUR JOE (IRE) was out of depth; held up, struggling 2f out, never landed a blow.

SHEA SHEA (SAF) who'd reportedly bled at Royal Ascot, again ran below form after 9 weeks off and is left with something to prove; mid-division, effort over 1f out, weakened.

STEPS (IRE) ran no sort of race; raced off the pace, soon under pressure, made no impression.