Pearl Secret can show superstar capabilities in the Nunthorpe

Pearl Secret may be the answer to Britain’s search for a new sprinting superstar and he will face his first serious test in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

David Barren’s runner has a perfect record of four wins from four starts so far in his career and is 6/1 to extend this record at York.

The race represents a huge hike in class for the horse, who will jump straight into Group One company from previously efforts in Listed races.

Pearl Secret’s true potential is yet to be truly seen as he has largely won with something in hand on his latest starts, while he has good experience of York from two previous successes at the course.

Further in his favour is that three-year-olds have a strong record in the Nunthrope in the last decade, with their weight allowance often working in their favour.

However, there are some negatives towards his chances, with the rise in class to face horses proven at this level being the main one.

The likes of Bated Breath, Ortensia and Sole Power are well versed at running in the big sprints and so will be more greatly experienced in what to expect.

In his last three starts, Pearl Secret has faced no more than six rivals.

At least treble this number can be expected at York and therefore his preferred waiting tactics will not be so simple to employ, with traffic issues moving through the field almost guaranteed.

Britain are well set with Frankel in the middle-distance ranks, while horses including Nathaniel and Colour Vision can hold their own over the longer distances.

But Black Caviar and Moonlight Cloud, from Australia and France respectively, have largely been the best over the sprints this season and Britain is in general need of a runner to hold their own.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.