Alazeyab given Cup go-ahead

Michael Jarvis is hoping Alazeyab can provide him with a first victory in the 50th John Smith's Cup at York on Saturday.The Newmarket handler has yet to bag the ultra-competitive 10-furlong event on the Knavesmire but he has a leading chance with the son of El Prado, who most recently scored in a mile-and-a-quarter Newmarket handicap last month.He said: "We were thrilled with his Newmarket win, having, we thought, run a little bit below-par at Newbury on his previous start. He has a 5lb penalty for that victory, and that gets him a place in the line-up at York." He added: "The trip and the course should suit him very well, but he would not run if the ground was to come up soft." Seeking The Buck will be trying to add to his handicap victory at Epsom on Derby day in the £150,000 contest.That was a second win on the bounce for Ralph Beckett's charge following an earlier win at Newmarket, and though five-year-old let down favourite-backers at Lingfield last time, Beckett is hoping for more luck at York.He said: "Things didn't go to plan at Lingfield, but he came out of the race fine and is very well. York will suit him. I hope the ground stays quick and that he gets a good draw."