York Racecourse

Jarvis aiming for first John Smith's Cup triumph

The John Smith’s Cup has attracted a bumper initial entry of 87 for its 51st running on Saturday, July 10 and Newmarket-based trainer Michael Jarvis is hoping that one of four ‘possibles’ can give him a first victory in York’s £150,000 contest. 

The strong entry for the extended mile and a quarter heritage handicap means that the Knavesmire looks sure to stage another ultra-competitive John Smith’s Cup, befitting of the very valuable first prize of £97,140.

Jarvis could chase the big pot with Rainbow Peak, Almiqdaad, Kings Destiny and Musaafer – four horses who, on paper, give him a ‘live’ chance of a first success in the prestigious race.

Sheikh Hamdan’s four-year-old Almiqdaad stamped himself as a useful performer when winning the John Smith’s Stakes (heritage handicap) at Newbury last September and, with an official rating of 100, he is a high-class entry.

Jarvis said of the son of Haafhd: “Things have not really gone his way in his two starts this year but he will be much more suited by York’s long, flat straight."

Musaafer, under the same ownership as Almiqdaad, was thought good enough to run in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy last season. He has yet to win in 2010 but has some good form in the book.

Jarvis added: “It is hard for three-year-olds to win a race like the John Smith’s Cup but Musaafer has a touch of class and we have always thought a bit of him.”

Jarvis' quartet also includes Kings Destiny, a four-year old rated 104. The son of Dubai Destination has so far won four times including on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield on April 30.

Completing the set is Rainbow Peak another who his trainer indicates “will come under consideration”.

Jarvis said: “Almiqdaad and Kings Destiny are seasoned performers who both have good form over the trip in similar races. I'd love to win the John Smith's Cup. The closest I have come so far is a third back in the 1990s. But I have been lucky at York - it’s a great track to have runners and, more importantly, winners.”

Fellow Newmarket trainer Michael Bell has a fine record on the Knavesmire and has entered a potential three-year-old improver in the shape of Wigmore Hall.

The strapping son of High Chaparral created a favourable impression when romping home in a handicap at Newmarket's Craven Meeting but has come unstuck on his last two outings. 

Bell said: “The John Smith's Cup would look like a suitable target in principle for Wigmore Hall and he may well be aimed at it. “It is a hard race to win but as there is exceptional prize money up for grabs it is worth a try. The trip and track should suit Wigmore Hall and he already has some very good form this year.”

Yorkshire-based trainer Richard Fahey has been leading trainer at York for the past four seasons and looks sure to mount a strong challenge. Fahey, who won the race in 2008 with Flying Clarets, has no less than 13 entered at the initial entry stage.

Investec Derby winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute has nominated three-year-old pair Desert Myth and London Stripe, while fellow Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani has put forward Fiery Lad, Drunken Sailor and Zetland Gold Cup winner, Forte Dei Marmi.

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