Friday's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes has produced a tremendous clash between the cream of British and Irish sprinters with the brilliantly quick Battaash set to take on July Cup winner Ten Sovereigns.

However, York has not been a happy hunting ground for Battaash (twice disappointing in this race) in the past and, with Ten Sovereigns dropping back to a very fast and flat five furlongs, the pair look opposable at their overnight odds.

SOLDIER'S CALL could be the one. Archie Watson's speedball, who finished half a length ahead of Battaash when third to Mabs Cross in the Prix de l'Abbaye (receiving a two-year-old allowance) at Longchamp last October, filled the same position behind Blue Point and Battaash (Mabs Cross fourth) in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Trained for that race, Soldier's Call may have just needed his previous run when a touched-off third to Garrus, who was receiving 5lb, over this course and distance but he at least proved that the course suits him.

A slightly disappointing fourth behind Soffia, El Astronaute and Garrus at The Curragh more recently was clearly not his best effort, but he lost a shoe that day and a return to the form of his run at the Royal meeting could see him go very close at decent odds with those questions hanging over the top two in the market.

Longchamp winner Mabs Cross, who was narrowly touched off by Alpha Delphini in this race last year (Battaash fourth) is the other obvious leading contender.

A strong finisher, the Michael Dods-trained mare will need things to fall just right but Gerald Mosse (who rode her to win the Abbaye) is an appealing booking.