NUCLEAR DEBATE is fancied to get the better of the argument with the hot-favourite Mozart in the Group 1 Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes at York today.

Most of the leading layers have Mozart calling the tune at ludicrously short odds of around 4-11, so clearly the bookmakers are taking no chances about Aidan O'Brien all-conquering colt after he put up such a devastating show in the July Cup at Newmarket.

But that race was over a stiff six furlongs, whereas this afternoon's contest is over a furlong less on a far easier and flatter track. In direct contrast, Nuclear Debate (3.45) demonstrated his liking for the Knavesmire 12 months ago to the day when blitzing a field of high-class sprinters in the £185,000 event.

In the opening Galtres Stakes, Love Everlasting (2.00) will be a tough cookie to crack.

The daughter of Pursuit of Love did us a major favour when landing an 8-1 winning nap selection over course and distance in mid-July. She's since won a Listed contest at Newbury and seems to be getting better with every outing.

French ace Olivier Peslier jets over to partner Leggy Lou in the following Lowther Stakes. Her sparkling five length demolition of a quality field in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot was no mean performance, but I still prefer David Loder's Silent Honor (2.35).

Although far less impressive when scraping home in the Group 2 Cherry Hinton Stakes at Newmarket, the filly probably simply had an off day and according to gallop reports is now said to be "on fire".

The mile-and-three-quarter Melrose Handicap is traditionally a happy hunting ground for those failing to qualify for yesterday's Ebor.

Peter Makin's Ovambo (4.15) fits neatly into that category. His run up to the race has been nothing short of scintillating with three straight wins at Windsor, Salisbury, and in the Tote Gold Trophy at Goodwood.

The Hamlet Miniatures Nursery brings the curtain down on another fabulous Ebor three-day fixture.

It's a typically competitive two-year-old heat, however I am confident of a bold display from Penny Pictures (5.15). He's a big powerful colt by Theatrical out of a Habitat mare. Getting such gross youngsters 100 per cent fit is never easy without overdoing the homework, which isn't trainer Mark Johnston's style.

But that's not going to be a problem today because he'll be spot on having out-battled Thin Client at Catterick last time out.

Not too much to shout about elsewhere although Philboy (2.25) might be worth a second look in the opening five furlong Rosebery Selling Stakes at Musselburgh.

Middleham handler Chris Fairhurst's strin g are in rude health at the moment boding well for the prospects of Philboy, dropped in class after several promising efforts much earlier on in the year.