Nunthorpe still possible for Border

Robin Bastiman’s Borderlescott remains on course to make a remarkable return to action in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

The eight-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the Audi King George Stakes at Goodwood on his latest start but an injury suffered during the race initially looked to have ended his season.

However, Bastiman issued a positive bulletin last week, stating that his stable star could return in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in October, and now the news is even more encouraging as he looks set to bid for a third successive Nunthorpe win.

“Everything is OK with him at the moment. He came out of his first canter back on Friday fine and has done another couple this morning,” said Bastiman.

“He seems fine again and having spoken to the owner, we’ve decided to leave him in the confirmations, but it’s going to be a late decision on whether he’s going to run or not.

“He’ll have to have a gallop one day, probably on Tuesday, and if he comes out of that all right, I think he’ll probably run.

“We think he tweaked a muscle at Goodwood and we’re just playing it cautiously with him.

“We’ll take a blood test from him on Monday and if his muscle enzymes are sky-high, then obviously we won’t be bothering, but we’re just taking it stage by stage.

“He’s not lame or anything now – he’s as sound as a pound. We’ve still got a bit of time to decide because the race isn’t until next Friday.”