York Racecourse

Jarvis eyes up John Smith's Cup for improver Alazeyab

TRAINER Michael Jarvis is all set to contest the 50th renewal of the John Smith’s Cup this Saturday at York with Alazeyab.

Jarvis has won many of the biggest prizes in racing, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, although this particular prestigious and lucrative heritage handicap has eluded him. But in Alazeyab Newmarket-based Jarvis may have a horse to change that statistic.

The three-year-old colt, who was among 44 acceptors at yesterday's five-day stage, certainly shaped like a horse on the upgrade when landing a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket on June 27. And Alazeyab is a general 12/1 chance for success in the £150,000 contest, staged over 1m 2f.

Jarvis said: “We were thrilled with his Newmarket win, having – we thought – run a little bit below par at Newbury on his previous start.

“He has a 5lb penalty for that victory and that gets him a place in the line-up at York .

“The trip and the course should suit him very well. But he would not run if the ground was to come up soft.”

Another interesting contender likely to get in off a low weight is Seeking The Buck. Trainer Ralph Beckett’s charge is as short as 10/1 in the betting. He recorded back-to-back victories in the spring before finishing second at Lingfield on his last start.

Beckett said: “Things didn’t go to plan at Lingfield, but he came out of the race fine and is very well. York will suit him, I hope the ground stays quick and that he gets a good draw.”

The two 6/1 joint-favourites are Riggins, successful at Goodwood last month, and Zetland Gold Cup winner Kingdom Of Fife, while Yorkshire-based trainer Richard Fahey is going for the first-ever hat-trick following the victories of Charlie Tokyo (2007) and Flying Clarets (2008). Fahey’s leading chance appears to be 12/1 chance Albaqaa but he also left in five others on Monday.

Please click here to access the current runners & riders for the John Smith's Cup.

Social Bookmarks