Sheriff Hutton-based jockey Kevin Darley, who was in the spotlight at Newmarket this week when winning the Cherry Hinton Stakes on Attraction, can play another starring role in Britain's oldest-sponsored Flat race on what will be a bumper day on Knavesmire tomorrow.

Darley takes the mount on Ed Dunlop's three-year-old Anani in the 44th John Smith's Cup, worth £135,000.

Lightly-raced last season, Anani has made a good impression this year, breaking his maiden tag at Ascot in the spring and running well since then in good company.

Beaten less than six lengths in a Group 2 race at last month's Royal Ascot meeting, the Miswaki colt had previously finished third to Jazz Messenger in a hot handicap at Epsom after being given plenty to do in a race where the front-runners seemed to have the edge.

Anani meets Jazz Messenger, previously succcesful at Haydock, on 3lb better terms for a one-length beating and there should be precious little to choose between them.

Trainer Richard Fahey, whose Vintage Premium won the John Smith's Cup last year, has good prospects tomorrow with Danelor, but the ground might just be quicker than ideal for the four-year-old, who will be ridden by Richard Quinn in place of the suspended Paul Hanagan.

Sir Michael Stoute runs Researched, the mount of Kieren Fallon, and Hazim, who will be ridden by Richard Hills, but I expect Anani and Darley to keep all challengers at bay.

John Quinn's in-form Smart Predator, significantly the mount of Fallon, deserves attention in the John Smith's Sangton Leisure Handicap.

First Order, a slightly unlucky loser at Beverley last week, is napped to have the class to win the John Smith's 'Ave It' Nursery Handicap.

At Ascot, My American Beauty, trained by Tim Easterby, can complete a hat-trick by winning the £20,000 Doubleprint Handicap.

Having taken time to find her form this season, the five-year-old has won her last two races, at Hamilton and Sandown.

At Chester, make a note of the in-form Deportivo in the Road Range City Walls Stakes, and recent Beverley winner Kahaysi Princess in the Liverpool Handicap.

Tomorrow's tips

York

1.55 Smart Predator, 2.25 Blue Spinnaker, 3.05 Anani, 3.40 Bourgeois, 4.15 Blue Tomato, 4.45 First Order (Nap), 5.15 Hearts 'n Minds.

Ascot

1.30 My American Beauty, 2.00 Tillerman, 2.30 Double Honour, 3.00 Anousa, 3.35 Spring Dancer, 4.10 Irtahal.

Chester

1.40 Naahy, 2.15 Kahaysi Princess, 2.50 Market Avenue, 3.25 Deportivo, 3.55 Foxtrot Too, 4.30 Bint Royal

Tomorrow's other race meetings are at Nottingham and Salisbury.

Updated: 12:54 Friday, July 11, 2003