Arthenus can prove the Knavesmire ace at 10-1

There could be rain around at York today and if it arrives there is the potential for a good few non-runners in the John Smith’s Silver Cup (3.40) and the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes (4.50).

Both those races are high-class contests if everything turns up, but in the staying race Curbyourenthusiasm and Quest For More wouldn’t want any rain, while the likes of Muthmir and Easton Angel would be unsuited by soft conditions in the sprint.

Consequently it is safest to wait until conditions are known before backing anything in those races.

Luckily for all morning punters there are a couple of good handicaps to get stuck into and any give underfoot would help the ante-post favourites Tawdeea and Arthenus in the 57th John Smith’s Cup (4.15).