Riggins made John Smith's jolly after draw

RIGGINS was favourite or joint-favourite for Saturday's John Smith's Cup at York with all bar Ladbrokes and Coral on Thursday night, after being drawn in stall two for the 20-runner handicap.

The Luca Cumani-trained five-year-old now shades Kingdom Of Fife in the betting - though both can be backed at 13-2 - with low numbers often at an advantage over the John Smith's Cup distance of 1m2f85yds. The Queen's Kingdom Of Fife will emerge from stall 13.

Desert Creek, who had been as short as 7-1, was eliminated when declarations were made on Thursday morning, while the two reserves are Demolition and Opera Prince. If any of the 20 above them are withdrawn by 9am on Friday, the reserve(s) will get a run.

Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday, so the ground could plausibly be significantly softer than the ‘good' description given on Thursday evening.

Of the market principals, Riggins and Seeking The Buck - also drawn low, in four - have never run on ground softer than good, whereas Ben Chorley would appreciate some give.

His trainer David Lanigan told his website: "Ben Chorley is in good order and will take his chance as long as the ground is not too quick."

Nine runners have been declared for the Group 2 Totesport.com Summer Mile at Ascot on Saturday, notably Cesare, Imbongi and Confront.