The Data Detective: a 40-1 fancy in the Nunthorpe
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Andy Stephens reckons a big outsider can shine in the feature race at York on Friday plus has two selections for the handicaps on the card.
✅ 1.50 YORK: ZENNOR STORM
Draw advantage: 0.28 lengths
Last two furlongs at Goodwood: 22.82sec
0-20mph form: 123444
Zennor Storm won his first two races at Kempton at the backend of last year and his past two efforts at York and at Goodwood, when keeping on well each time, suggest his turn is again close.
He was runner-up to Exclusive Code on his latest start but was 0.64seconds quicker than that rival over the final two furlongs and can turn the tables on 4lb better terms.
Those final two furlongs at Goodwood ranks 23rd of 609 in the RaceiQdatabase. Limiting the results to handicaps, that late flourish is ranked seventh of 388.TAKE A LOOK AT THE RACEIQ PACE MAPS AND DRAW ADVANTAGE IN OUR RACECARDS
✅ 3.35 YORK: STARLUST
Top Speed: 43.86mph
Final two furlongs last time: 22.92sec
York form: 21134
Starlust has a fine record at York and makes each-way appeal at chunky odds in the Nunthorpe.
He finished third in the 2024 renewal before going on to Breeders’ Cup glory and his latest close fourth here last month might have been even better had he not been 11th of 13 in the race to 20mph.
Perhaps that slow start was a consequence of the first-time visor he wore. It is discarded on this occasion.
Starlight wore blinkers on one occasion in June 2024. They were removed next time, when he won at York.
✅ 4.10 YORK: TRUTH BE TOLD
Final three furlongs at Leopardstown: 36.47sec
Final furlong at Ballinrobe: 11.20sec
Finishing Speed Percentage form: 11112
Truth Be Told has shown improved form since joining Michael Grassick and is well worth a second look.
He was at least a full second quicker than his rivals over the final three furlongs when storming from last to first at Leopardstown in May.
That can be upgraded, too, as this was not a fast-run race which fell in his lap. On the contrary, the Time Index was 4.8, when the meeting average was 5.2, and 1.03sec slower than Par.
He was unlucky not to follow up at Ballinrobe last time when shuffled back at a crucial stage and forced to switch wide. His final furlong of 11.2 seconds was easily best and there was more in his tank.
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