Expert analysis and trainer insight for a fiercely competitive John Smith's Cup

2.30 York
John Smith’s Cup Handicap | 1m2½f, 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

King Power Racing are responsible for two of the leading contenders, with last year’s winner Pivoine back for another crack. Good Birthday is their other representative, but he has drawn a wide stall in 22.

This might not be the draw race it was before the course reconfiguration in the early 2000s, when it was devilishly difficult to win from a wide stall, but it’s still an advantage to be towards the inside of the track and Pivoine has the better of it in that regard from four.

Rob Hornby rode Pivoine to victory off a 2lb lower mark 12 months ago, but Silvestre de Sousa is the owner’s retained rider and would have had the choice of whether to come to York for the ride on Pivoine or Good Birthday. The fact he is at Newbury to partner Shine So Bright in the bet365 Hackwood Stakes tempers enthusiasm for either King Power runner.

Solid Stone heads the market but has to overcome stall 21. Three of his four highest Racing Post Ratings have been achieved over a mile and he can race keenly. William Buick did a good job of finding cover at Sandown last time, but will probably be forced to drop in behind rivals from his wide draw and it’s easy to see him trading at bigger prices in running.

Rise Hall has drawn 20 and is another who can take a hold. However, rider Graham Lee will be looking to go forward on Rise Hall and he could get a good trail across from confirmed front-runner Sky Defender, who will be looking to lead from the widest stall in 23.

With Tinandali drawn in stall 19 and also likely to push on, there could be some early shuffling in the middle of the pack as the pacesetters try to spear across.

For a 22-runner race, there isn’t loads of pace in the contest and Desert Icon (stall five) and Euchen Glen (14) look the main early competition for Sky Defender coming from wider.

Euchen Glen made all to land this two years ago and the last seven winners have all raced prominently. If they don’t go that hard, it might pay to be up with the leaders early.

To summarise, Rise Hall is a tentative selection to improve his form at this course. Two of his three highest RPRs have been achieved at York and his forward running style might allow him to overcome his wide draw under Lee, who is booked to ride for the first time.

Tipster analysis by Graeme Rodway

'We'd love to win it again'

William Haggas will tell you he likes to win any race, but there is little doubt that the Knavesmire holds a special place in the heart of the Yorkshire-born trainer.

Punters always take special note of Haggas runners in fiercely competitive York handicaps, and he is doubly represented in the John Smith’s Cup - a race he has won twice in the past - with Desert Icon and Sinjaari.

Desert Icon made quite a splash when destroying Wait Forever by eight and a half lengths in first-time cheekpieces at Newmarket last month.

Not surprisingly the headgear is retained and Desert Icon, now 9lb higher, looks nicely drawn in stall five under Tom Marquand.

Haggas said: “Desert Icon has been put up a lot for winning an uncompetitive Newmarket race. However, I suppose mathematics could have put him up even more, and he has a nice draw.

“It means a lot to win any race, but it is nice to win these big handicaps. We’ve won the John Smith’s Cup twice before [Green Destiny and Danchai] and would love to win it again.”

The Newmarket trainer’s other runner Sinjaari, who finished third at Glorious Goodwood last summer, has been gelded since his last start in October, and looks just the type to improve again as a four-year-old and land a valuable handicap or two.

Haggas said: “On his best form, Sinjaari would have a very good chance. He’s on his way back now.”

What they say

Rob Hornby, rider of Pivoine
We won the race last year and it would be fantastic to do it again. He’s drawn well and is in super form at home, so has plenty going for him and this kind of race suits him best.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoun, owner of Afaak
We’re going back up to an extended mile and a quarter. He ran well in the race last year, and we’ve always felt the longer trip suits. I thought he ran well at Ascot, and everyone seems very happy with him. He’s done us proud over the years.

Roger Varian, trainer of Fifth Position
His comeback third over a mile at Newcastle is rock solid as the winner went on to land the Silver Hunt Cup and the runner-up the Hunt Cup itself. He has since won a lesser race at Doncaster where this trip of an extended mile and a quarter really suited him. He could be better drawn and a drop of rain would help him, but he's in good shape.

John Gosden, trainer of Harrovian
He won well the other day and should like the track. This looks like a nice race for him going forward.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Euchen Glen and Nicholas T
They’re both in good form, and we’re going there to get the forecast! The market says they’ll probably finish eighth and ninth, but it doesn’t work like that. Euchen Glen likes York - he’s won and finished third on his last two visits. Nicholas T won on his reappearance at Ayr and seems better than ever. We’re looking forward to the race.

David O'Meara, trainer of Tinandali and Baltic Baron
Tinandali is drawn wide in 19, but is in good form. His Epsom run was good even though I don't think he handled the track that well. I think the step up in trip will help Baltic Baron and he's got an excellent claimer on his back in Angus Villiers.

Ed Walker, trainer of Caradoc
We thought he just needed a run to get him back and sharpen him up, so hopefully Epsom has done that. If he’s come on suitably for that race then he should take plenty of beating granted a clean trip. We’re hopeful of a big run.

Marco Botti, trainer of Wait Forever
He’s been a very consistent horse. He bumped into one of William Haggas’s [Desert Icon] at Newmarket last time, but ran well and now meets him on much better terms. I think he will like the track, he’s definitely better at a mile and a quarter than a mile, and he handles any ground. It’s a big field and a very competitive race. He goes there in great shape.

Reporting by Richard Birch

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