THE John Smith's Cup is always one of the great betting heats of the year and tomorrow's looks as competitive as ever.

A lot will depend on how the ground is riding up on the Knavesmire, but one of those who won't be inconvenienced by rain-softened ground is Luca Cumani's Monte Alto.

The horse has proved himself a really useful tool in big handicaps and has been brought steadily to hand by his astute handler.

He is ideally suited by a strongly run race and, with a breakneck gallop almost certainly guaranteed, he makes plenty of appeal at around 6-1.

For those who do back him, though, it could be heart in your mouth time as they enter the final stages of the race, as he needs to be held up for a late run, so finding the gaps at the right time will be essential.

One thing's for sure, he has the right man on his back in George Baker, an underestimated rider who is often seen at his best on hold-up horses.

Others who look worth a second look are Willie Haggis's Mutajarred and Marcus Tregoning's Ezdiyaad.

The latter is particularly interesting as he looked really progressive until flopping last time out, but could well bounce back with a bit of give underfoot and will go well at a double figure price.

The entries came out this week for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 6, and I am absolutely delighted with the quality.

The prestigious six-furlong dash is the only Group One race run at the Lancashire track, and among the entries are Royal Ascot winners Kingsgate Native and Equiano, Fleeting Spirit, Benbaun, the progressive Corryborough and Sakhees Secret.

Aidan O'Brien also has nine entries in the race, including US Ranger and Astronomer Royal, and France are represented by their crack speedster Marchand d'Or.

However the one that really catches the eye is John Gosden's Ravens Pass.

The horse was running on when second to the outstanding Henrythenavigator in the St James' Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot but has always looked like a star sprinter in the making to me.

If his trainer does go down the sprinting route and lets him take part then we will have a really mouthwatering clash on our hands.

Let's just hope that the main contenders all get there in one piece for what promises to be an outstanding day's racing.

The start of the new football season is not far away, and I can't wait for the action to get underway.

Wanderers are 2,500-1 with me to win the Premiership, with last year's Champions Man United red hot 11-10 favourites.

Chelsea are 9-4 second favourites with me and look the main challengers once again to United, with Arsenal third in at 9-2 and Liverpool on 8-1.

I reckon that Rafa's Reds will once again be found wanting, so the 7-2 I'm offering on United doing the double on them again this season could be worth a dabble.