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Snoano set for York's John Smith's Cup

Snoano ridden by David Allan (red and black silks) wins the Wolferton
Image: Snoano ridden by David Allan (red and black silks) wins the Wolferton

Snoano will head to York for the 58th John Smith's Cup on July 15 following his victory in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Tim Easterby has had the valuable mile and a quarter handicap in mind for some time for Snoano and was delighted with the way the five-year-old handled the ground conditions to run out a game winner of a competitive heat on Saturday.

"He's come out of it good. I've had winners at Royal Ascot so I know what it takes. I won't run them unless they have a chance," said Easterby.

"It was a nice surprise because he if it had been softer ground I'd have been fairly optimistic. It was fast so I was a bit iffy.

"He runs in the John Smith's Cup. That's been his aim all year. This was a bonus."

Easterby reports Mattmu to be ready to resume his racing career in Saturday's Betfred TV Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle after a spell at stud.

The five-year-old is among 19 entries for the Group Three contest over six furlongs, in which he finished second in 2015.

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"He'll probably run. He didn't cover enough mares to warrant him at stud so he's back in training," said the North Yorkshire handler.

Mattmu, successful at both Group Two and Group Three level, last saw racecourse action in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer when he was out of luck in the Group One won by Twilight Son.

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