John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3)

Smart course winner who ran well in the John Porter on return but not so good since, fading in Chantilly Group 2 6 weeks ago. This isn't a strong Group 3 and classy performer could bounce back with a big run.

Developed into a smart performer in 2023, winning 4 times, including a couple of valuable handicaps, and best effort this term with his sights lowered when fourth in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot, showing previously unseen depths of stamina to do best of those positioned a long way back.

Progressed well to win handicap here and Hamilton listed race last year. Promising return in the John Porter but well beaten in the Henry II at Sandown 7 weeks ago.

Won the Great Voltigeur here at 3 yrs before an excellent fourth in the Melbourne Cup. However, hasn't looked the same horse since, an element again of going through the motions in listed race at Newmarket a fortnight ago.

Found a bit more improvement under a fine ride as he gained a first win since his debut in C&D listed contest 4 weeks ago, all out from Salt Bay. Unexposed over this sort of trip and no surprise to see him go well again.

Has just a debut win to his name but good efforts in the John Porter and C&D listed race this term, just unable to peg back Klondike after that one stole a bit of a march on him here last time. Respected.

Smart stayer who signed off for 2023 with a solid third in the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp. No show in the Northumberland Plate on return last month but could fare better now.

Placed in 2m Ascot Group 3 last term but has struggled since, albeit not knocked about in Haydock handicap 5 weeks ago. Back up in trip/class now.