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'The Bullet's' Nunthorpe Bid Rests on Bratislava Sunday Return
16/07/10

This weekend many racing eyes will be concentrated in the direction of Bratislava where the outstanding Hungarian sprinter Overdose is set to make his eagerly anticipated return to action after a 15 month absence from the track, writes Elliot Slater.

The gelded son of Starborough has proved a racing sensation and is unbeaten in all 12 career starts, including when 'winning' the subsequently voided running of the Group 1 2008 Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.

His subsequent ten-length romp in a Group 3 event at the Capanelle in Rome proved that the Zoltan Mikoczy trained five-year-old is a sprinter of the very highest order. Those who follow flat racing tips really took notice.

Western European fans were eagerly looking forward to him challenging for all the top races in 2009, including the King's Stand Stakes at Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket, only for a foot injury to rule the gelding out of action for the year.

It's been a slow road back to the track but on Sunday Overdose will demonstrate just how much of his ability he retains when tackling listed company against race-fit rivals.

On all previous form he should win easily, but his fitness has to be taken on trust. Those who follow Timeform racing tips may want to approach the race with caution.

Former British-based jockey Gary Hind will take the ride on Overdose for the first time and, should he win, the star Hungarian horse could next be seen in York's Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at the Ebor fixture in mid-August, ahead of another crack at the Prix de l'Abbaye in Paris in October.

Overdose has only once before raced at the minimum trip and that was when wining by eight lengths in his native land only his last racecourse appearance when partnered by top French rider Christophe Soumillon.