Bastiman upbeat on Borderlescott bid

Robin Bastiman reports his stable star Borderlescott to be “spot on” ahead of tomorrow’s betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.

The popular eight-year-old has won the last two renewals of the Nunthorpe Stakes, once at Newmarket and most recently at his home track of York.

He has finished second in the last two runnings of this Group Two, to Fleeting Spirit and Alan Berry’s Look Busy, who is in the line up once more.

As usual a top-class field has been assembled with Bastiman wary of the bang in-from Equiano from the Barry Hills yard, having beaten Borderlescott recently.

“The ground in this race last year wasn’t suitable and the year before he got beat by that good filly, Fleeting Spirit,” said Bastiman.

“Equiano had a run under his belt before the race at Newmarket whereas we hadn’t and we tied up a little bit. But Equiano is a top-class horse, he’s won a Group One, he’s come back to himself, but it would be nice to beat him.”

He went on: “He’ll run his race, if he’s good enough he’ll win. He’s spot on and he’s worked really well. I’ve been pleased with him.”

Kingsgate Native adds further strength in depth to the contest having returned from a failed spell as a stallion to win the Audi Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

He has since been gelded, an operation connections hope will have the right effect.

“He has been gelded and I suppose he looks a little trimmer now,” said Chris Richardson, racing manager to the owners, Cheveley Park Stud.

“It’s difficult to make comparisons but the operation hasn’t affected him and he has had a different preparation this year.

“Last year he came back looking very strong from stud, but this time he has had the preparation from December until now.”