One of the most competitive handicaps of the season takes place on the Knavesmire at York on Saturday, with a maximum field of 22 going to post for the 52nd running of the John Smith’s Cup.

Roger Varian trains the likely favourite Pekan Star, who looked a well handicapped horse when winning over this course and distance back in May, beating Right Step by a length and a quarter at the line. Varian has had this race in mind for some time now and the four year old has not been seen since which makes us think he’s protecting the son of Montjeu’s handicap mark for this valuable contest.

At the cramped odds of 4/1 for Pekan Star, it may pay to look elsewhere for possible value here, which brings us to Sir Michael Stoute’s lightly raced Modun. With the Stoute yard starting to come back into form again of late, Modun could well be a value bet at 9/1 with Totesport. The four year old has been limited to only four career runs resulting in two wins and a runner up spot, with his most recent at Royal Ascot the only disappointment, when sent off 100/30fav for the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes he trailed in 27L behind Fox Hunt in what was clearly unsuitable soft ground for the gelding. With ground conditions likely to be more favourable at York and with Ryan Moore keeping the faith, Modun can be given another chance.

Trainer Richard Fahey has a great record at this track and has won the race two times in the past four years, he runs four in this years renewal with Kay Gee Be his number one on jockey bookings, at 20/1 Paul Hanagan’s mount could be the each way bet.