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The 2025 John Smith's Cup (Handicap)

Surprisingly no Ron O. Thankfully I didn't depart with any coppers.
Ancient Rome, I've had a little on at 50s. More likely to wait till Goodwood, but whilst conditions are in his favour, they might be tempted.
 
It's about 10lbs below the average renewal and hasn't even attracted a full field.

I don't imagine the Johnston camp would have dreamed their horse would have sneaked in at the bottom off a Class 4 mark.

Still, it's one of my favourite day's racing of the year, not because it's 'super Saturday' or any of that media-driven sh1te but because the Bunbury Cup is also run and both races have been very kind to me down the years, occasionally landing me a wee double.
 
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(Compiled on Thursday afternoon and BOs are as they were then.)

Just working my way down the ratings table, I’ll have a small win cover bet on Ancient Rome but I do think the big 10f handicap at Goodwood is his target. I’ll have something on Erzindjan who was rated 109 early last season in Meydan and was running in G1s and G2s. He debuts for Kent who can freshen these types up and the jockey is 43% for the trainer this season. Josie Gordon is not a go-to jockey for the yard when they think they’re going to win so I’m going to risk passing over Dark Moon Rising. The Johnstons wouldn’t have expected Qitaal to make the cut but he does, off a Class 4 mark, which will make life difficult but he is 6lbs lower than when run out of a Class 3 win on his seasonal debut at Doncaster. The first-time visor might help and Mason can do the weight comfortably so the 66/1 is worth chancing to small stakes. The one I think will win is Archivist who could well be a Group horse and who could improve massively for stepping up from a mile based on his dosage and stride pattern. Like More Thunder, I’ll use him to cover the other bets and will back both in a win double. The other one I’m backing as the main bet is Romieu who looks on a steep curve, was unlucky last time and the jockey can claim in full. She has a good record for certain trainers and is maybe coming on to others’ radar.
 
Desert Orchid said:
Just working my way down the ratings table, I’ll have a small win cover bet on Ancient Rome but I do think the big 10f handicap at Goodwood is his target. I’ll have something on Erzindjan who was rated 109 early last season in Meydan and was running in G1s and G2s. He debuts for Kent who can freshen these types up and the jockey is 43% for the trainer this season. Josie Gordon is not a go-to jockey for the yard when they think they’re going to win so I’m going to risk passing over Dark Moon Rising. The Johnstons wouldn’t have expected Qitaal to make the cut but he does, off a Class 4 mark, which will make life difficult but he is 6lbs lower than when run out of a Class 3 win on his seasonal debut at Doncaster. The first-time visor might help and Mason can do the weight comfortably so the 66/1 is worth chancing to small stakes. The one I think will win is Archivist who could well be a Group horse and who could improve massively for stepping up from a mile based on his dosage and stride pattern. Like More Thunder, I’ll use him to cover the other bets and will back both in a win double. The other one I’m backing as the main bet is Romieu who looks on a steep curve, was unlucky last time and the jockey can claim in full. She has a good record for certain trainers and is maybe coming on to others’ radar.
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Very good summary of the race.

Noteworthy that Qitaal has attracted some interest, now best price 22/1.

Dark Moon Rising now 100/1. Josie Gordon did ride a 2nd for this stable at Newmarket on Thursday and won the race on her side. Unfortunately, Prince of India pulverised the field from the other side. It would be nice for her to get a good winner on a Saturday, as her career has never recovered since she split with Hugo Palmer. She is a good jockey.

If I had to bet my house on it (I wouldn’t), I’d go for Thunder Run. However, I’ve backed Qitaal at 66/1 and Erzindjan at 80/1 for an interest.

Agree Ancient Rome is capable, but may have an alternative target. May still back him if price becomes silly.
 
Now that the dust has settled, I can have a wee rant.

WTF was the commentator doing with his pronunciation of Archivist?

He even had the rest of the team following him.

Surely anyone who's been to school knows that it is pronounced AR-ki (as in kit) - vist with the stress on the first syllable.

Bad enough losing out on the win double with More Thunder but to lose out with a mispronunciation does nothing for the mood :ROFLMAO:
 
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