The richest ever running of the famous John Smith’s Cup raceday will see £385,000 on offer.

A massive £200K is the prize to the winner of the feature race itself – being run for the 59th year.

But who does our tipster Dick Turpin believe will take the trophy?

Nineteen runners, ten furlongs and a purse of £124,500 for the winner, writes tipster Turpin. It’s the spectacular John Smith’s Cup (3.40), one of the greatest handicap races on the planet.

The bad news for tipsters is that more than half of today’s 20 combatants have a serious chance of making the frame. Preference is for the hugely impressive Ascot and Epsom winner Dash Of Spice to come good again.

But connections of David Menuisier’s five-year-old grey, Thundering Blue, believe the gelding is in with a great chance following his bold Dante win in May. Across Dubai, Appeared, Kynren and What’s The Story all have each-way claims too.

It’s unusual to see a horse of the potential of He’Zanarab in a lowly auction stakes (4.50). Strong word reaches me from the Richard Hannon yard about the youngster’s prospects.

It’s The Marlborough trainer’s only runner today, and Wiltshire to Knavesmire is a long trip just for a run out. The booking of ever-reliable Dane O’Neill is another strong pointer too. Get on early if you can.

Turpin’s tips

1.55

Win: Muthmir
Place: Stone Of Destiny
Longshot: El Astronaute

2.35

Win: Dal Harraild
Place: Dylan Mouth

3.10

Win: Bless Him
Place: Get Knotted
Longshot: Baraweez

3.40

Win: Dash Of Spice (nb)
Place: Thundering Blue
Longshot: Appeared

4.15

Win: Humble Hero
Place: Northwest Frontier
Longshot: Master Archer

4.50

Win: He’Zanarab (nap)
Place: Dark Vision
Longshot: Absolute Dream

5.20

Win: Posh Perfect

The tipsters’ table, York Races, Friday, July 13, 2018

It’s one of the big meetings of the season – and the weather is set to be as hot as the sporting action.

With temperatures forecast to reach 28°C on both days of the John Smith’s Meeting, York Racecourse has relaxed its dress code in the County Stand.

“Gentlemen can leave their jackets at home, though a collared shirt and tie is still required,” officials say.

So which horses should get punters hot under the collar? Over to YorkMix racing pundit Dick Turpin…

Does the tremendous form of Aidan O’Brien’s Could It Be Love’s second in the one mile Irish 1,000 Guineas trump the promising displays of the always improving Pretty Baby from William Haggas’ yard?

Could It Be Love was only just caught close home in her subsequent race over seven furlongs. Now this drop to six furlongs gives her an exceptional chance. But, having seen Pretty Baby trot up nicely at Nottingham in May, narrow preference is for the Haggas filly.

Every race is a step up, and so far, she has answered every question asked of her. Could It Be Love might be much more highly rated at 112, than her rival on 102; but that mark looks to be her peak, but Pretty Baby may have much more to come.

Byron’s Choice comes here following impressive wins at Catterick and Ayr for Michael Dods. Promising youngster Callum Rodriguez’s can no longer claim a weight advantage, but his growing skill should compensate for that.

It’s his only ride of the day and could complete a double for the Darlington-based trainer if Mister Belvedere obliges in the second race (2.40) with Paul Mulrennan aboard.

Turpin’s tips