Reverence takes Nunthorpe

A strong performance by Reverence on rain-softened ground at York on Thursday landed him the $420,000 Nunthorpe Stakes, as both Dandy Man and Enticing failed to cope with the footing, finishing out of the money.

Reverence prevailed by two lengths over Amadeus Wolf, covering the distance on soft ground in 1:00.68. Dandy Man, the 4-1 favorite, and the 11-1 Enticing, a previously undefeated 2-year-old filly, both faded to finish 12th and 13th in the 14-runner field.

Trained by Eric Alston, Reverence will next head to France for the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp on Oct. 1.

* Aidan O'Brien said that his 2000 Guineas winner George Washington worked well Thursday, giving him the green light for a trip to Goodwood for the Group 2 Celebration Mile on Sunday. Last year's European 2-year-old champion, George Washington has been out of action since injuring hip muscles in finishing second in the Irish 2000 Guineas on May 27.