Racing by Tom O'Ryan

Emerald Heights can reach the pinnacle of his career at York tomorrow by landing the 39th John Smith's Cup, the longest-sponsored handicap in Britain, which boasts prize money in excess of £100,000 for the first time.

Trained at Newmarket by James Fanshawe, Emerald Heights is fancied to scupper the bold bid of Pasternak, winner of this race last year and bidding to become only the third dual-scorer after Chaumiere and Prominent.

Twice successful in his last three starts, Emerald Heights is a fast-improving performer, as he proved at Royal Ascot on his latest start.

The three-year-old started at 12-1 in the King George V handicap but failed by only three-quarters of a length to get the better of the favourite Double Classic.

That race was over a mile and a half but the step back in distance tomorrow will not trouble Emerald Heights, who figures on a handy weight of 7st 13lb and will have the assistance of Tim Sprake.

Pasternak, who landed an almighty gamble in this event 12 months ago, before going on to land the Cambridgeshire on his only other start, will be the horse the bookies fear.

Trained by the astute Sir Mark Prescott, Pasternak is without a run so far this term, but is guaranteed to be primed for action.

He boasts a major chance, along with Royal Hunt Cup winner, Refuse To Lose, and improving three-year-olds Muhib and Porto Foricos.But Emerald Heights has what it takes to lift this showpiece prize - and hit the jackpot.

Tadcaster brewers, John Smith's are sponsoring the entire day's racing on Knavesmire and Tim Easterby will toast their good health if Mixsterthetrixster can capture the Beamish Red Conditions Stakes.

A wide margin winner on his debut at Newcastle, Mixsterthetrixster looks a high-class horse in the making. A follow-up is on the cards here.

The step up to seven furlongs in the Kronenbourg 1664 Handicap should suit Anstand, trained by Lynda Ramsden, successful in this race last year with Stackattack.

Meanwhile Night Flight, who was unfavoured by the draw at Haydock last time, should not be underestimated in the Beck's Bier Handicap.

Trainer Jack Berry can land the Miller Genuine Draught Nursery Handicap with nap selection Conwy Lodge, impressive winner of his last two starts and a colt with a bright future.

At Chester, Bishops Court should not be overlooked in the featured City Walls Stakes.

This crack sprinter, trained by Lynda Ramsden for owner-breeder David Brotherton from Whitwell, landed a valuable handicap at Epsom on Derby Day and was slightly unlucky not to follow up at Sandown last Saturday when, after striking the front inside the final furlong, he was nailed near the line by Fire Dome.

A horse who needs to be held up as late as possible, he should win tomorrow, provided he is the last horse to challenge.

Also worth noting at Chester is the smart Damalis (4.25), a creditable fourth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot on her latest start.

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