Pasternak bid

Last year's winner Pasternak heads a field of 25 horses declared yesterday for the £110,000 John Smith's Cup at York on Saturday.

The Sir Mark Prescott-trained five-year-old will be running for the first time since he landed a gamble in the Tote Cambridgeshire last October.

Prescott stressed that Pasternak is a likely runner at York, even though the going is currently described as "good, good to firm in places" and he has been reluctant in the past to risk the horse on a firm surface.

"I am always worried about the ground for him but he'll run, all being well," the trainer said.

"He's well but he's gone up 10lb in the weights for winning the Cambridgeshire. I don't think he won that with 10lb in hand so he is up against it on Saturday."

Having carried 8st 3lb to victory in the 10 1/2-furlong handicap 12 months ago he is set to carry at least 9-6 this time as the weights have risen by 2lb on the withdrawal of Mandilak and Apprehension.

Recent Ascot second Winter Romance is left heading the handicap on 9-10.

Acceptors: Winter Romance, Future Perfect, Pasternak, Prince Of Denial, Vagabond Chanteuse, Wilcuma, Punishment, Song Of Freedom, Cardigan Bay, Shadoof, Anak-Ku, Dower House, Rapier, Mowelga, Refuse To Lose, Captain Scott, Muhib, Distinctive Dance, Emerald Heights, Karakia, Porto Foricos, Philistar, Sky Dome, McGillycuddy Reeks, Mazeed. (25).