Pat can win big race on Medicean.

PAT Eddery, whose chances of becoming champion jockey for a 12th time were given a hammer blow yesterday when he picked up a ten day suspension, can take Knavesmire by storm on John Smith's Day tomorrow.

The 48-year-old rider, who was penalised for using his whip with excessive frequency on the narrowly-beaten Kalanisi in last Saturday's Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, has a host of fancied mounts, notably Medicean in the £135,000 John Smith's Cup.

If ever a horse had the look of a handicap 'good thing' then Sir Michael Stoute's colt is surely it.

Winner of two of his four races this season, Medicean was beaten less than a length into fourth place by Giant's Causeway in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on his latest start.

Had that performance been to hand in time for this early-closing race then Medicean would be carrying 15lb more tomorrow, and that is the margin, in theory at least, that he has in hand over his rivals.

Blots on the handicap do have a habit of coming unstuck - Killer Instinct in this race last year springs to mind - but Medicean cannot be opposed with any real confidence.

Inch Perfect, twice a York winner this season for Richard Fahey, Man O'Mystery, runner-up to Medicean early in the season, and the highly-rated Westender from the in-form William Haggas stable are among those with solid chances.

But this jackpot prize looks poised to fall to Medicean, whose glowing credentials are impossible to ignore.

Eddery can also win the main supporting race, the £30,000 Foster's Silver Cup on my Nap selection Fantasy Hill.

John Dunlop's charge suffered unlucky runs when finishing in the frame in the Chester Cup and the Northumberland Plate on his last two outings. He can now gain deserved compensation.

Eddery and Dunlop can also combine successfully with Chianti in the Theakston Cool Cask Conditions Stakes.

This beautifully-bred colt, a 500,000 guineas yearling purchase, made a bright start to his career when winning on this course last month. Tomorrow's extra furlong should not inconvenience him.

Eddery has a further two solid chances of success.

In the Ernest Smithson Median Auction Maiden Stakes, he teams-up with an interesting newcomer from the Dunlop stable (victorious 12 months ago with Follow Suit) called Injaaz, while in the Beck's Bier Handicap, he renews his association with Full Spate.

Recently successful at Haydock, Full Spate, trained by spring 'king' Milton Bradley, can remain one step ahead of the handicapper.

At Ascot tomorrow, Sugarfoot, the star of Nigel Tinkler's yard has an excellent chance of capturing the £52,000 Michael Page International Silver Trophy after his fine effort at Royal Ascot to finish fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes.

Others to consider in Ascot's remaining televised races are course-and-distance winner Livius (2.00) and Bon Ami (3.05), who seems to be returning to form.

Tomorrow's tips

YORK

1.55......................................Injaaz

2.25....................................Chianti

3.00.................................Karameg

3.35.................Fantasy Hill (Nap)

4.10................................Medicean

4.45...............................Full Spate

5.15..............Hambleton Highlite

ASCOT

2.00......................................Livius

2.30................................Sugarfoot

3.05..................................Bon Ami

3.40...............Smith And Western

4.15.............................Mon Secret

4.50....................................Eljohar