John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 5f 188y | 6 Runners | Turf

(6)

Arabian Force^t1⁵⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jason Hart| T: W J Haggas| OR: 109

5/1

Progressed well last season, his best effort when third in the Great Voltigeur here. Creditable second in listed race at Longchamp on return, before bumping into a pair of top-level performers in the Aston Park Stakes at Newbury (1½m). Interesting back up in trip with tongue strap added

Form: 7233-23

(1)

Duke Of Oxford^t⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Rob Hornby| T: M L W Bell| OR: 102

11/1

Proved better than ever when winning 2m handicaps at Kempton and Newcastle at the turn of the year. However, making a rare start on turf he faced a stiff task when last of 7 in Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. Still has something to find here.

Form: 051-157

(5)

Epic Poet²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 110| D

7/1

Smart hold-up performer who posted a good third in the Yorkshire Cup over C&D in May, before meeting trouble when fourth of 7 in Henry II Stakes at Sandown. Rare poor effort in listed race won by Gregory here last time, but no surprise to see him bounce back.

Form: 255346

(3)

Mount Atlas²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: P J McDonald| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| BF

6/4

Developed into a smart performer last year, winning a 1½m Ascot handicap in July. Has now made the frame at listed/Group 3 level on his last 5 starts, again giving his running when ½-length third of 6 to Gregory in listed race over this C&D in June. Not taken lightly.

Form: 924-223

(2)

Tabletalk²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Rossa Ryan| T: Tom Clover| OR: 113| CD

2/1

Landed the Melrose over C&D in 2024 and did well in pattern company last season despite not managing to win. Soon bounced back from a lesser effort when neck second of 6 to Gregory in listed race here last time and he could be ready to get back to winning ways.

Form: 632-252

(4)

Peace Belle¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: William Pyle| T: J Candlish

66/1

Fair form when winning the first of her 3 starts in bumpers. Offered something to work on making Flat debut when fourth of 11 in maiden at Wolverhampton (9.5f) 13 days ago, though looks to be up against it in this contest.

Form: 4

Forecasts

Mount Atlas (5/4), Tabletalk (15/8), Arabian Force (5/1), Epic Poet (8/1), Duke Of Oxford (20/1), Peace Belle (100/1)

TABLETALK has proved as good as ever with his 2 runner-up finishes this year, going close in the Grand Cup over C&D last month, and he can build on his latest effort to go one better. He is taken to confirm the placings with Mount Atlas from when the pair met here 28 days ago, while Arabian Force could still have more to offer over this trip.