Brown up for the Cup

Neil Brown could be handed the chance to win by far the biggest prize of his career on Saturday aboard his boss David Barron's Sirvino in the 50th John Smith's Cup at York.Sirvino has made enormous strides this season, winning all four starts in minor handicaps, while often looking like there was a bit more in the tank.Barron said: "At this moment in time, he is likely to run. Phillip (Makin) gets on very well with him but unfortunately he is banned so he's out of the question. I would say it is almost certain Neil Brown will ride instead."He added: "I suppose I've had a couple of runners in it over the years. It's a race you'd like to be able to target but you have to have the right horse."Sirvino is one of 44 horses to stand their ground at the confirmation stage, but with a safety limit of just 20, a large proportion could be set for heartbreak.Coral make the Queen's Kingdom Of Fife the 11-2 favourite for the race with Riggins next in the betting at 7-1, ahead of Moonquake at 8-1. Kingdom Of Fife, who is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, won the Zetland Gold Cup and in common with Riggins, he bypassed Royal Ascot and arrives here fresh."Some right royal gambles have been landed in the John Smith's Cup over the years, and if Kingdom Of Fife can follow up his Redcar victory with success on the Knavesmire, punters will be celebrating another one," said Coral's David Stevens. William Hill make Riggins and Kingdom Of Fife their 6-1 joint-favourites with plenty of support reported for Ben Chorley, who was chopped from 20s to 14-1.