John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 3m 1.26s

(4)

Dal Harraild¹⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: W J Haggas| OR: 111| CD

5/6

Won Listed Grand Cup (C&D, good to firm) last year. Not disgraced back here (2m½f) in a Group 2 later. Returned with a 10L AW conditions win (2m, AW) at Chelmsford in March. Badly out of sorts in Meydan when last seen. Strong claims if at his best.

Form: 6166-10

(3)

Dylan Mouth¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Dane O'Neill| T: M Botti| OR: 107

8/1

Sprang 25-1 surprise in last year's Old Newton Cup at Haydock and was also placed in Listed company at Kempton in November. Swerved last week's Old Newton for this but up against it judged on his 2½L second in Listed company on return.

Form: 7103-62

(2)

My Reward²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 103

12/1

Won the Listed Chester Stakes (1m5½f, good) in September. Stays 2m½f. Back to winning ways in small field 1m4f handicap at Pontefract (good to firm) last month. Inconsistent so far this season and has a bit to find even if peaking.

Form: 43-3010

(1)

Scotland^h²³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 105

11/2

Without a win since his second start, in 2013 and does not look to have been the easiest to train. At his best, he was 3½L sixth in the Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1) of 2015. Not far off that level when 11L fifth this time. More needed but not ruled out.

Form: 4620/65

(5)

Time To Study¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Fran Berry| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 107| D

4/1

Races over his optimum trip here. Best efforts this season were his first two runs at Musselburgh and then when 5L second in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot. Has not been far off that level since, but probably needs to be at his best to score.

Form: 225446

Forecasts

Dal Harraild (5/6), Time To Study (4/1), Scotland (11/2), Dylan Mouth (8/1), My Reward (12/1)

This looks a good opportunity for DAL HARRAILD to get his nose in front again. William Haggas's gelding goes well here and on the ground and he can hopefully confirm his superiority over the field after being given a break since his Meydan flop in the spring. If he misfires again, then Scotland may be the one to benefit, with Time To Study a solid option to follow them both home.