Monday 6 July 2015 14:13, UK
Ante-post favourite Lightning Spear is among 44 remaining possibles for the 56th John Smith's Cup at York on Saturday.
Trained by Olly Stevens, the unbeaten four-year-old still needs a few to come out as he is 26th on the list, with a maximum field of 20 set to go to post and two reserves declared.
Lightning Spear also holds other entries, including the bet365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket on Saturday, with connections set to make a late call on his participation at York, where he has also been confirmed for a one-mile handicap on the same card.
The Newmarket handler told At The Races: "We've kept him in both big handicaps on Saturday (John Smith's Cup and Bunbury Cup).
"In addition to that, we've entered him in another handicap at York and we'll have a speculative look at a Group Two at Ascot as well.
"The big thing is to have as many options as we can. He's got an unbeaten record, albeit in smaller races, but it would be nice to maintain that.
"The Bunbury Cup will be a strong-run seven furlongs and it could fall into his lap, with the John Smith's Cup, if he relaxes, he could let himself get further and it's a nice valuable target.
"The one-mile race at York is the logical target as it would be nice to be five from five this time next week.
"But we've got aspirations and if the Group Two came up looking light, it would be nice to pick up some black type."
Mark Johnston's could run Fire Fighting, Sennockian Star, Master Of Finance and Sea The Skies, but the latter needs lots of withdrawals.
Royal Ascot winner Arab Dawn could take his chance for Hughie Morrison, with Luca Cumani's duo of Ajman Bridge and Mount Logan other possibles.
William Haggas has left in Battalion, In The Fast Lane and Homage, while Andrew Balding's progressive Collaboration is still in the mix.
Balty Boys, Educate, Abseil and Loving Spirit are others of note.
