Two-year-old to meet elders in York Group One after Goodwood success
Richard Hannon has confirmed that his juvenile filly Pershaada will be supplemented to the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York, stepping up to take on older sprinters following a notable Goodwood victory.
Pershaada, a daughter of Persian Force owned by Middleham Park Racing, finished a close fourth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot before recording a decisive success against colts in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. That progression prompted connections to pursue York’s Group One turf sprint at the second entry stage.
Weight and age considerations
The decision draws attention to the historic influence two-year-olds have had in the Nunthorpe when afforded the juvenile allowance. Pershaada will race off just 8st on the Knavesmire, meaning she will benefit from a weight concession of more than a stone and a half to many of her older rivals.
Hannon has described the filly as uncomplicated to prepare since Goodwood, and noted that the weight allowance makes the division particularly open. With the juvenile allowance and her recorded speed, connections feel she arrives at York with a genuine opportunity to trouble the established sprinters.
Riding plans and market context
Silvestre de Sousa has been booked to ride Pershaada for the Nunthorpe. Hannon has also indicated that the filly is attracting interest in the betting market; he was told she was around 12-1, which he considered generous. The market at the time lists Wesley Ward’s American raider Bacio, the runaway winner at Royal Ascot, as the 3-1 favourite for the race.
Historic echoes and festival relevance
The Hannon yard will be mindful of its own history in the race: in 1992 Richard Hannon senior saddled Lyric Fantasy to win the Nunthorpe as a two-year-old filly. That precedent underlines why a juvenile with speed can be a compelling contender when given the chance at York’s five-furlong test.
Pershaada’s trajectory this season — a near miss at Royal Ascot followed by a Group victory at Goodwood — mirrors the stepping-stone pattern often used by trainers aiming to give juveniles elite exposure before the end of the campaign. Whether she can carry her form and the weight allowance to success in a typically competitive Nunthorpe field will be a focal point for observers at the festival.
What to expect on the Knavesmire
- Pershaada arrives off a strong two-year-old campaign featuring Group-level form at Ascot and Goodwood.
- She benefits from the juvenile and sex allowances, reducing her impost to 8st for the Nunthorpe.
- Silvestre de Sousa is named to partner her in what will be a first attempt against older sprinters.
- Market attention is divided, with American raider Bacio prominent following a Royal Ascot success.
The Nunthorpe frequently produces lively discussion in the build-up to York’s major meeting, and Pershaada’s inclusion adds an intriguing juvenile angle to the contest this year. Punters and racegoers will be watching to see whether the filly’s upward curve continues when she contests a Group One sprint against seasoned opposition.
