TEMPLEGATE takes on the John Smith’s Cup confident of having unearthed the winner.
Find his tip at the bottom – and back any horse you like from his complete runner-by-runner guide.
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John Smith’s Cup runner-by-runner guide
ASTRO KING
AS to go. Went close in a Gr3 in April and likes it here. But poor last time so needs to improve.
BOTANICAL
BOT hot. Up 10lb for C&D win before he didn’t like fast at R Ascot. Yard flying so place hope.
LIBERTY LANE
LANE gain. Good over 1m, unlucky at Epsom latest trying this trip. Up weights but shortlisted.
HAUNTED DREAM
DREAM alive. Gone close on both UK runs, including at R Ascot. Trip suits and fair weight.
KILLYBEGS WARRIOR
BEGS to differ. Been struggling for a while and this is a tall order.
PENZANCE
PEN dry. Good over this trip on sand but well held here last time.
ENFJAAR
JAAR may star. Easy win over this trip on sand latest, yard in form and has more to come.
DUAL IDENTITY
DUAL won’t rule. Best over 1m and big weight.
KIHAVAH
VAH wars. Best around 2m and likely to find this too quick.
EPIC POET
EPIC win. Went close at Royal Ascot after good run over this C&D. On fair weight, handles cut and will be right there.
KINGFISHER KING
KING sting. Promise last season but may need this and longer trip would be ideal.
MARHABA THE CHAMP
KO Champ. Likes it here but is in poor form and quicker suits.
BOX TO BOX
BOX office. Consistent over this trip on any ground. Going well at Chester so each-way shout.
TAKE HEART
HEART in it. Still 12lb above last win but yard in form and trip suits, Place shout.
PARADIAS
ABOVE Par. Good run at Epsom, trip suits, likes cut. Shortlist.
FLYING FRONTIER
FLY low. Minor winner over this trip but looks high in weights.
REMAADD
NOT Maadd. Promise in Listed/Group races, handy weight for hcap debut. Has more to come.
MACHETE
CUT Machete. Struggling this term and needs help from handicapper.
TONY MONTANA
TONY broke. Winner at lower level over this trip but poor run latest.
LOYAL TOUCH
DON’T Touch. Not firing in lesser races and this looks tough.
EUCHEN GLEN
EU what? Won this in 2018 and back to form last time. Longer trip would suit.
Templegate’s tip
WE all know it — the John Smith’s Cup can go to EPIC POET.
He came from a mile back to grab second at Royal Ascot last time and his stamina will be an asset on a sticky Knavesmire.
Haunted Dream looks a danger after going close last time.
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