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Ben Chorley's Cup target

Lanigan aims in-form charge at John Smith's Cup

By Pete Oliver Last updated: 3rd July 2008

York: Cup

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Ben Chorley will lay his winning run on the line when he steps up in class for a tilt at the John Smith's Cup at York.

The grey gelding has won all three of his starts this season to earn a crack at the �150,000 Heritage Handicap at Knavesmire on Saturday-week.

"The plan is to head to York with Ben Chorley and just see how much he has progressed. He has done everything that has been asked of him so far," said trainer David Lanigan.

"Ours will be lining up against some horses with 'black type' form and he'll have to improve. But he'll get into the race off a good weight and has every right to take his chance.

"Depending on what he does there, we can make other plans for him. We'll know exactly where we are with him after the race.

"But whatever he does, he has been a grand servant to us this season," Lanigan told his official website.

A 5lb penalty for his latest victory means Ben Chorley will carry 8st 6lb for the John Smith's Cup over an extended 10 furlongs.