Aspetar set to take his chance in red-hot Juddmonte International

Roger Charlton is under no illusions about the size of the task facing Aspetar as he prepares to step the impressive York Stakes winner up to domestic Group 1 company in the Juddmonte International.

Aspetar posted a career best over the International course and distance in last month's Group 2, with a performance that has persuaded Charlton to consider taking on the likes of Coral-Eclipse hero Ghaiyyath and Prince of Wales's winner Lord North on Wednesday week.

"We're looking at the Juddmonte and realistically trying to get placed," said Charlton.

"There were some disappointments in the York Stakes, but it was a great effort and he won well. However, he's not going to beat the Appleby horse [Ghaiyyath], he's not going to beat Lord North and he's not going to beat Kameko if he runs there. If we finish third or fourth it would be great."

Aspetar, a son of Charlton's four-time Group 1 winner Al Kazeem, won the top-level Preis von Europa in Germany last year, as well as a Group 2 in France, but his inflated rating has restricted further opportunities abroad.

"There aren't any options once you've won a Group 2," said Charlton. "We looked in France and he'd be carrying a penalty taking on horses like Sottsass, which gives you no chance."

Aspetar is a general 14-1 shot for the International in a market headed by Ghaiyyath at 7-4, with Lord North quoted at 4-1 with William Hill.

In the third Group 1 at the Ebor meeting, recent course winner Moss Gill could take his chance against Battaash in the Coolmore Nunthorpe on Friday week.

Moss Gill (third from the left) winning at York last monthCredit: Dan Abraham

The improving James Bethell-trained four-year-old, who won last month's Listed City Walls Stakes, was on Sunday withdrawn from Chester's Listed sprint on Monday evening.

"He was off colour this morning and we'll bypass Chester and have a look at the Nunthorpe or a race at Deauville on August 30," said Bethell.

"We'd have to fork out £5,500 for the Nunthorpe entry, but if the race cuts up we might be tempted. Battaash is pretty impossible to beat but if he scared everything off, we might take our chance for a shot at some place money."

Battaash is a best-priced 4-6 favourite to successfully defend his Nunthorpe crown, with Moss Gill a 33-1 shot with William Hill and generally available at 25-1.

Read more:

French ace Sottsass likely to miss York as Rouget prioritises Arc

'He's capable of winning lots of Group 1s' - Mohaather given French option

'Breathtaking' Supremacy in the mix for Morny as Cox eyes Group 1 prizes

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