Arthenus ticking plenty of boxes ahead of John Smith's Cup
Wednesday 6 July 2016 12:48, UK
James Fanshawe is keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of this Saturday's John Smith's Cup at York, with Sky Bet's 12/1 joint-favourite Arthenus ideally preferring some juice in the ground.
Arthenus, a four-year-old, had a productive campaign last season, that culminated in a gutsy success over subsequent Royal Hunt Cup runner-up, Librisa Breeze, in a nine-furlong handicap over the Knavesmire last October.
He failed to land a blow on his first two starts of this campaign, but returned with a career best to finish fourth in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
The ground was officially soft at Ascot and Fanshawe is hoping there is some ease underfoot on Saturday.
He said on Wednesday: "The plan is to run. I am just hoping that the ground doesn't dry out too much as he very much likes to get his toe in. It doesn't have to be soft like it was at Ascot - just a little bit of ease.
"He ran a really good race in the Wolferton and has come out of the race well. He seems in good form and is the right type for a race like this.
"He has a bit of class which you need for these big handicaps. He's well, I'm happy with him and now we need a bit of luck with the draw and the ground."
Arthenus is one of 51 horses currently engaged for the richest ever running of the John Smith's Cup. The 57th renewal of the mile-and-a-quarter contest had its prize fund boosted by £50,000 this season, making it the richest middle-distance handicap in Britain.
