Nostrum Looks to Extend Undefeated Record in Dewhurst

Nostrum  will bid to emulate a host of champion 2-year-olds and extend his unbeaten record to three when lining up in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (G1) Oct. 8.

The Kingman  colt followed up his debut success at Sandown with victory in the Somerville Tattersalls Stakes (G3) at Newmarket last time and is second-favorite for next year's Qipco Two Thousand Guineas (G1) behind Little Big Bear .

"We're excited," said Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon. "It's a big step up. The form of his maiden has worked out well. Sadly, he missed the Flying Scotsman at Doncaster but won nicely last time.

"It's all about next season with him. He's a lovely colt and we'll see whether he's physically and mentally ready to compete at this level."

Juddmonte last won the group 1 with Frankel in 2010 and will also be represented this year by the Andrew Balding-trained Chaldean . He won the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (G3) on his third start in August and stepped up in class to land the Coral Champagne Stakes (G2) at York.

"He's an exciting horse in his own right and is more experienced," said Mahon. "He's a group 2 winner and Andrew said he felt he improved from York to Doncaster. He should run a big race."

'This is His Time to Go and Prove Himself'

Naval Power  attempts to copy his sire Teofilo  by becoming an unbeaten winner of the Dewhurst.

Godolphin have won the race with champion 2-year-olds Dawn Approach, Pinatubo, and Native Trail, and rely on Naval Power, who won the listed Betfair Daily Tips On Betting betfair Ascendant Stakes at Haydock last month. He has won four times this season, including a listed contest at Ascot.

While recognizing the benefits of experience, trainer Charlie Appleby is aware of the task facing Naval Power but hopes he can establish himself against six high-quality rivals and emerge as a major Classic contender.

"Naval Power brings a great profile into the Dewhurst," said Appleby. "He's done everything we've asked of him so far—every time he has won in a fashion that has surprised us.

"He's a very well-balanced colt and brings a good level of experience into the race, with his last two wins being at listed level. He's slightly different to Pinatubo and Native Trail in that they had solid group 1 form behind them, whereas we view Naval Power as very much a 3-year-old.

"This is his time to go and prove himself at this level, as well as putting himself into the Classic picture for next season."