SIDELINED CHINTA MISSES NUNTHORPE

Bapak Chinta is a surprise absentee from Friday's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Kevin Ryan's unbeaten Norfolk Stakes winner was towards the top of the betting for the prestigious Group One contest but will not line up on the Knavesmire after suffering a late setback.

Ryan said: "He was just doing a very light exercise this morning and as he was cantering, he's struck into himself and given himself a nasty cut on the inside of his hock.

"It's nothing serious and the horse is sound, but it wouldn't be fair on the horse, the owner or the punters to run him.

"In all probability in three or four days he'll be perfect, but you can't go into a race of this calibre with any doubts at all.

"It's very frustrating as all his serious work was done and it was only a very light exercise. Phillip (Makin) came in to ride him and we actually didn't notice anything had happened during the work, it was only when we were washing him off.

"The owner has been an absolute gentleman about it and said if we had any doubts we shouldn't run.

"I'm not sure where we'll go now. We'll have to regroup as this has been the plan since Royal Ascot."

17 are left in the race, with leading fancies Hoof It, Bated Breath and last-year's winner Sole Power all confirmed.

Although he has lost his major hope, Ryan will still be well represented in the race with Masamah, Tiddliwinks and Breathless Kiss all featuring among the final field of 17 runners.

"All three of them did the same work this morning as Bapak Chinta and fingers crossed, they all seem in great order," Ryan added.

"Hopefully one of them can ring the bell."

Ante-post favourite Hoof It has been declared by Mick Easterby having been supplemented for the race on the back of a brilliant win in the Stewards' Cup.

Eddie Lynam's Sole Power was a 100-1 winner of the contest 12 months ago but will be nowhere near that price this time around, while Invincible Ash and exciting juvenile Requinto joining him on the trip from Ireland.

Bated Breath has seemingly overcome a setback suffered last week and lines up, while other major contenders include King's Stand winner Prohibit and French raider Wizz Kid.

Tim Easterby-trained duo Captain Dunne and Hamish McGonagall, Inxile, Kingsgate Native, Piccadilly Filly, Swiss Diva and Margot Did complete the field.

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