Paradias could well outrun his big odds in John Smith’s Cup at York on Saturday

July 11

This was always going to be a quiet week for Barbury, but, having had no runners since our two winners at Market Rasen last Sunday, we are back in action at Ascot tomorrow, when Loughville runs in the 12f fillies handicap and Winter Reprise in the mile and a quarter handicap.

Loughville lost nothing in defeat at Chester last time, being 10lb higher than when winning her previous race at Wetherby. She finished in sterling fashion up the short Roodee straight and ought to give Hollie Doyle a good ride on her first time aboard the filly since she joined us.

Winter Reprise has been dropped 2lb since finishing unplaced at Newcastle’s Plate meeting last month. He was a bit keen at Gosforth Park but would have a solid chance if settling as well as he did when previously finishing third at Newbury.

Our only runner on Saturday is Paradias in the prestigious John Smith’s Cup at York. George Wood has been booked, and, though he will start at double-figure odds, he made an encouraging return after three months absence when runner-up at Epsom on Oaks day.

Paradias had a high draw that day and did well to reel in all but the winner, Bolster, and he also has course form, having run well to finish fifth in a Heritage handicap at the Ebor meeting last year. That was a mile and a half, and the versatile Paradias, whose best form is over this 10 furlongs, looks to find the longer distance stretching his stamina on the Flat.