Mick Appleby: Need for speed greater than ever in this year's Nunthorpe Stakes

Mick Appleby has predicted York's track record could be in danger as Big Evs prepares to erase the demons of 12 months ago in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.

Although a course and distance winner earlier this season, the sole disappointment in the son of Blue Point’s all-conquering two-year-old campaign came in this contest when he beat only two rivals home.

That performance is the one anomaly in what is a stellar on-track career and Big Evs returns to York with plenty of momentum following his thrilling King George Stakes win at Goodwood.

"He came out of Goodwood really well and he is in good form," said Appleby.

"He is drawn 14 of 14, so I’m not sure if that is going to be a good or a bad draw. Whether it will work in his favour or not, I don’t know.

"It’s a different track and different circumstances. What will be will be and I think it is going to be a very fast race. I think if it stays quick ground, I wouldn’t be surprised if the track record gets broken."

Big Evs’ rider Tom Marquand is also confident his mount is ready to banish the memories of last year as he prepares for round three of the colt’s rivalry with Australian ace Asfoora.

In fact the 26-year-old feels the Knavesmire is the perfect place for Big Evs to gain the upper hand in the sprinting showdown which has given the division a narrative to savour.

"Asfoora beat us at Ascot, and if we were going back there I think I’d be pretty scared of her as it’s a stiff five," explained Marquand ahead of this British Champions Series event.

"But we turned the form around when we beat her at Goodwood and I think York, as a speed track, will favour him more than her.

"I know she’s 6lb better off here and we only beat her a short head, but I don’t think it’s as