3.05 York - John Smith's Cup
1st Ballet Concerto 8/1
2nd Big Country 7/1
3rd Mistiroc 50/1
4th UAE Prince 13/2
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Ballet Concerto improved for the step up to 10 furlongs for the first time when winning the 58th John Smith's Cup at York.
Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old was a winner of the Spring Mile at Doncaster back in April and was fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last time.
However he used he miler pace to great effect over the 10 furlongs on the Knavesmire, sitting prominent off a steady gallop before pouncing in the closing stages.
UAE Prince took up the running two furlongs out but he wilted late on for fourth, with Big Country and Mistiroc staying on for second and third respectively.
Garcia was held up out the back and stayed on well for fifth on his first appearance of the season. Eddystone Rock was sixth.
Reaction
James Doyle, who was this week handed a 15-day ban for misuse of the whip under the totting-up procedure, five days of which are deferred, said: "He won it well. He's a horse I know a little bit, as I won a handicap on him at Yarmouth last year.
"He's got a lot of talent. He's been a bit unlucky on his last few runs and hasn't quite had the rub of the green at Epsom and then at Ascot. It's nice to show what he can do there and stepping up in trip has definitely helped him.
"We didn't go that quick. He travelled supremely well through the race and put it to bed
"It's always going to be rough with that many runners. There was a little bit of scrimmaging and I had to fight my corner a bit early on.
"I didn't have anything at Newmarket and got some nice rides here. To win the big race here makes me very happy, especially as it was for Sir Michael Stoute, whom I rode for previously when I was with Prince Khalid Abdullah.
"I haven't ridden for him much since we parted company, but hopefully I'll get a few more after today."
On his suspension, Doyle said: "Obviously the whip ban is a bit of a sting in the tail, but it could have been a lot worse. We're back for Goodwood, which is a big help."
It was a big day for Doyle who also won the Listed Silver Cup aboard Rare Rhythm.
Mick Appleby, trainer of Big Country, said: "He's run a blinder. The winner has probably got first run on us. We'd have been happier if they'd have come down the middle of the track.
"He's a bit unlucky, but the winner is a decent horse. We'll have to come back and win it next year."
John Quinn, trainer of Mistiroc, said: "I'm delighted with him. He was in a great position through the race and got over from stall 16.
"He was 50-1. I couldn't understand why. He was beaten five lengths at Royal Ascot by the horse that won the Listed race here earlier ."
